Thousands of pilgrims made their way to El Santuario de Chimayo this Easter weekend, believing that a miraculous soil associated with the church will heal their pains and cleanse their sins.
Pilgrims came by plane, car and foot, some traveling hundreds of miles to reach the small adobe church in northern New Mexico, most of them arriving by Good Friday.
Some carried huge wooden crosses, others traveled with walking sticks or in wheelchairs, with many entering the church often called the Lourdes of America on their knees before making their way to the holy dirt said to have healing powers....