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APRIL 13, 2001

The area around Chimayo has long been regarded as sacred to Pueblos in northern New Mexico but today it is the center of a Roman Catholic rite as thousands of mostly Hispanic followers make the annual Good Friday pilgrimage to the site.

The pilgrimage to Santuario de Chimayo has occurred for about 200 years now, bringing people on foot from throughout the state, even hundreds of miles away. The faithful believe the earth there is sacred and has healing power.

Last year, the walk was marred with the murders of two walkers. The parents of Ricky Martinez, slain with his girlfriend Karen Castañon, will begin their pilgrimage at the San Juan Parish Church in San Juan Pueblo, about 20 miles away.

Get the Story:
Walking Their Faith (The Albuquerque Journal 4/13)
Easter Message Kindles Hope Despite Teens' Deaths (The Albuquerque Journal 4/13)
Slain teens remembered a year later (The Santa Fe New Mexican 4/13)
Couple slain on Easter pilgrimage remembered a year later (AP 4/13)

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Pilgrimage begins to New Mexican site (4/21)