The Way of the Cross

Currently In: Antonito, CO
Next Up: New Mexico and then on to Utah


We took a day here in the San Luis Valley to visit a number of Catholic churches.  We saw two churches that claim to be the oldest in Colorado.   Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Antonito, claims to be the oldest parish in Colorado (established in1853), but their original building burned down and the new church was built in 1926.

It also had a beautiful grotto.

The other church is located in Viejo San Acacio.  The original adobe building from 1856 is still standing.

We also visited the town of San Luis, CO.

This brown building with the murals is original to the town and marked Dance Hall above one door.  Wow!

There were also several other murals and the oldest market in Colorado from 1857.

The reason we drove to San Luis was to walk the Stations of the Cross which were installed in the early 1990's.   Once past the entrance,  the Stations are at various locations as you hike a small hill.

The sculptures were absolutely beautiful.   I especially appreciated the Stations where Jesus meets his Mother, Simon helps Jesus and Veronica wipes Jesus' face.

But of course the most moving sculpture is the Resurrection.

At the top of the hill is the All Saints Chapel.  The outside reminds me of other churches we have seen in this Spanish style, but the inside is really special with the wooden ceiling.

About 5 miles from the middle of San Luis is Mother Mary's Garden.  It is a non-denominational  garden of peace for all .  It isn't complete yet, but what we saw was lovely.

There was another flower garden dedicated to children, a meditation chapel, and a couple of labyrinths.  The colorful circle is a Native American Medicine Wheel.

The Garden is funded with private donations and built by volunteers.  It is a bit out in the middle of nowhere, but was worth the trip.