Last week, we examined the long history of faith and spirituality in our region, beginning with our current understanding of the Chimney Rock National Monument and how this site was used by our Indigenous predecessors as well as the regions attraction to early settlers in the upper San Juan Basin.
“When we build, we build on the shoulders of those who came before us. And when we fall apart, those who came before us help put us back together.” This quote by Mitch Albom speaks to the value of our pioneers in faith.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church was, in fact, built on the shoulders of those pioneers from the Penitentes to the mission churches in Trujillo, Pagosa Junction, Juanita, Frances, Chromo and St. Edwards in Pagosa Springs.
While the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church was dedicated on May 21, 1949, and thus our 75th anniversary in 2024, it was not until 1951 that the church and all the mission churches in Archuleta County received our first priest.
The Rev. Father Bernard Rotgers C.R. from Spain established the Immaculate Heart of Mary as a permanent church.
As the Mission churches all raised funds to have the churches built, the names on the stained-glass windows became a part of the tradition for raising funds or for receiving donated materials to build the churches. So, too, did the stained-glass windows at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church serve to pay for the church.
Consequently, many of the pioneer families and their clans have had their names placed appropriately on the windows.
While many of the 13 windows represent pioneer families, it is the three windows donated by the parishioners, one dedicated to the children of the parish and one dedicated to the women of the parish under the name “Immaculate Heart of Mary Guild” that reflect the humble efforts of so many.
Even The SUN would publish the bake sales, the dances and the raffles that took place to raise the funds. Those founding parishioners resisted publishing how much was raised by name. Amongst the stories are families who donated what they had; in one case it was eggs. The fundraising organizers ensured that family was listed amongst the donors.
Mass was celebrated every Sunday at the Immaculate Heart of Mary and, each Sunday, the father would then travel to one of the Mission churches: Chromo, Frances, Pagosa Junction, Trujillo and, up to the early 1960s, Juanita.
The celebration of Mass was also a celebration of community at each of the Mission churches. On the week where the patron saint of each church was celebrated, the festivities would include a procession, music, a free potluck meal and a tremendous opportunity for fellowship.
Therefore, the celebration of the patroness, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, will be at the core of this 75th anniversary.
On Saturday, June 8, Lewis Street will be closed to auto traffic all day. Up to 3 p.m., the street will host the annual car show.
An invitation is being extended to all Archuleta County Catholic pioneer families and their descendants to participate in the procession at 4:30 p.m., which will take place on Lewis Street in front of the church. All the current Catholic Mission mayordomos and ministries will be invited to participate in the procession as we begin to look toward our future understanding how important our past is in the formation of our culture and values, and to continue to build toward our future.
After Mass, just like the patron saint festivities around the world, Las Guadalupanas, who provide bereavement ministry to families with limited resources by cooking pozole for those families, will provide a free pozole dinner for everyone who attends the feast.
Following the meal will be a fundraising street dance. Music will be provided by the Rivas Family Spanish Choir/Variety Express. Lewis Street will reopen to auto traffic upon completion of the street dance.
Father Samuel Auta is the celebrant for this Mass. It was Auta who provided guidance to bring the celebration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary as our patroness, and to begin this tradition for the next 75 years. Over the course of the last three years, we have been building momentum toward this celebration.
In our final article, we will bring to light our spiritual leaders over the last 75 years. As we honor our pioneer families and clans, there are many who deserve our thanks. We have a theme as we transition to the next 75 years: inclusivity.
So, please not only save this date, but make your plan to join us for prayer, food, dance and fellowship.
