Inside are the healing sands of Chimayo, a wall of hanging crutches and a statue of the Holy Child of Atocha surrounded by little shoes. Photos of people line the walls, the smell of hot wax, whispers, a couple wearing Harley t-shirts pray at the alter. We are not allowed to take photos or videos inside. This isn’t a tourist attraction, it is a living sacred place and it feels it. 

 

     It’s heartbreaking to see how many people have come here with their hopes and prayers for the people they love, but there is something beautiful in the ritual and belief. I don’t believe, but I’m willing to accept that there are many things we don’t know.