The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe, New Mexico
by Debby Pueschel
Title
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Artist
Debby Pueschel
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The City of Santa Fe, New Mexico was founded in 1610. That same year the first church was built on this site. The original adobe church was replaced in 1630 by a larger one, which was destroyed by the Pueblo Indian Revolt of 1680.
The expelled Spaniards returned in 1693, but were not able to rebuild the church until 1714. This new church was named in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Santa Fe.
The only part of this church still existing is the small adobe chapel dedicated to Our Lady La Conquistadora. Brought from Spain in 1625, the statue is the oldest representation of the Virgin Mary in the United States.
In 1850, Santa Fe received its first Bishop, Father John Baptiste Lamy of France. Judging the 1714 old adobe church as inadequate for the seat of the Archdiocese, Bishop Lamy ordered a new Romanesque church built, and brought French architects and Italian stonemasons to build his Cathedral.
Construction of the Cathedral began in 1869 and continued until 1887. The new Cathedral was built around the former adobe church and, when the new walls were complete, the old church was torn down and removed through the front door.
The stained glass windows in the lower bay are from France and depict the twelve apostles. Seven archbishops, including Lamy, are buried in the sanctuary.
Dedicated in 1887, the Cathedral’s spires were never completed due to lack of funds. During the most recent structural renewal in 1967, the Cathedral was strengthened, new sacristies were added, and a Blessed Sacrament Chapel was built. In 1987, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the stone church, a monumental altar screen depicting famous saints of North and South America was installed.
The Cathedral was elevated to a Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. Basilica means a church of particular importance in Rome and abroad. Churches are honored by the Holy Father because of their importance in the history of spreading Catholicism.
Thank you to the Administrators who have Featured "St. Francis Basilica" in their groups!
*USA Photographers Only 12-22-17
*Churches 1-28-18
*New Mexico Land of Enchantment 11-12-19
*Catholic Art Gallery 11-13-19
*Out West - 13 States 12-28-19
Uploaded
August 3rd, 2017
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Comments (11)
Debby Pueschel
Thank you Cathy for featuring "The Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi Santa Fe, New Mexico in your group Out West - 13 States 12-28-19
Debby Pueschel
Thank you Frank for featuring "The Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi" in your wonderful grouop Catholic Art Gallery 11-13-19/
Debby Pueschel
Steven, thank you ever so much for featuring "The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi" in your group New Mexico Land of Enchantment 11-12-19
Steven Bateson
The New Mexico Land of Enchantment Group is honored that you chose to submit your work to the group and we are proud to feature your magnificent image on the Homepage in the Featured Images.
Debby Pueschel
Thank you Doug for the feature of "The Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe, New Mexico" in your group Churches 1-28-18
Debby Pueschel
Thank yo Judy, very very much, for the FEATURE of "The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi" in your group USA Photographers. I am very appreciative!
Martina Rall
A very interesting story behind! Nowadays churches are destroyed. In Europe, mainly in France. 2800 on the index. Even cathedrals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gg6HbjpYXc Crosses are deleted from churches photographs... Benedict XVI would never have allowed all this!
Darin Williams
Beautiful capture of this lovely place! l/f
Debby Pueschel replied:
Thank you Darin....Santa Fe truly is an amazing place to be! Would love to live there....FL
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