GO-ing to the CHA-pel an we're GONna get

[Sparkle]

Carol inspired us to check out any churches we saw on our travels after we saw the magnificant ones she posted from Mexico. While we were at Three Rivers Petroglph campground we decided to explore and found this lovely llittle Catholic Chapel. No one was around and the door was open. It was called Santo Nino. And yes, we did sing that song while we were driving there.


The Alter, with Beth taking a photo. It smelled wonderful in there. A mixture of Inscence and furniture polish.


This statue was laden with beautiful Rosaries.


Everrywhere you looked there was something to see. Beth has a photo of strings of baby shoes. Why were they there we wondered.


I believe these are called Milagros.


And this is the way out.

[avalen]

interesting, very interesting
I had to go look up milagro, actually found a very good site explaining it.
http://www.collectorsguide.com/fa/fa052.shtml
and now I feel a little more educated, thank you Sparkle

[Sparkle]

Thank you for that Link. It was really interesting, and as I have the Collectors Gene I know what I'll be looking for in the Antique Shops, or from a vender, if I see one.

[bluepinecones]

I also am very fond of old churches; most interesting. Web link on milagro helped as well - saved me from looking it up as I was not familiar with the term. What a diverse education one can get on this forum. And what an amazing country we have - something to behold at every turn.

[snowball]

have heard of a old church that was built in the early years not sure of the dates not sure of the state but the story is so interesting and it has a spiral staircases that defys logic would really like to see it
very nice pictures thanks
Sheila

[retiredhappy]

Can't remember the name but its in Santa Fe, To this day they don't exactly know how it was built as it has no center support. I had pictures of it on my blog a year or so ago.

Looked it up on my blog (August 2007) Its called the Loretto Chapel. Posted a great pic of it.

[Redetotry]

Very interesting and so nice they are open. I too like to visit old churches, most here are locked though now.

Sheila maybe it is the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, MN you heard about. Here is a link to the story. http://www.lorettochapel.com/history.html

[Bethers]

OK, here's a pic at the front of the chapel with all the baby shoes. Anyone know why they'd be here? If there is a purpose?



And another pic of the front of the chapel.



And a couple pics from the cemetery next door:



We both liked the ones with pictures in the headstones:



And this poor baby didn't live long:




Look for another post for the Stations of the Cross - right down the road.

[WickedLady]

Santo Nino refers to the infant Jesus. It was said that he went out each night to help the needy and, especially, did miracles for children.
I would guess that the shoes are used for prayers for the well-being of someone's baby.