A keystone above the main entrance holds a secret. A triangle etched with the Tetragrammaton in Hebrew. An old story whispers it was Archbishop Lamy’s thank you to Jewish merchants. They generously helped fund this magnificent Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Before you stands the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi a testament to faith and history. It’s the heart of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Its Romanesque Revival style sharply contrasts with Santa Fe’s adobe buildings. The yellow limestone blocks came from a quarry near Archbishop Lamy’s residence.
Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy a Frenchman built this cathedral between 1869 and 1886. He built it on the site of older churches. One built in 1626 was destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt. Another La Parroquia built between 1714 and 1717 was incorporated into the new structure. A small chapel survives from La Parroquia. You can see it on the cathedral’s north side. The rose window and those depicting the Twelve Apostles were imported from Clermont-Ferrand France.
Originally planned with 160-foot steeples funds ran out. The north tower stands taller than the south one. A small round window a 2005 addition is a replica of a Bernini design from St Peter’s Basilica. It features a dove a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Pope Benedict XVI elevated the cathedral to a basilica in 2005.
Inside the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi holds La Conquistadora. This is a small wooden statue of the Madonna and Child. She’s the first Madonna brought to the United States. She arrived in Santa Fe on January 25 1626. Brought by Fray Alonso de Benavides originally named Our Lady of the Assumption. Don Diego de Vargas renamed her La Conquistadora. He hoped she would bring a peaceful reconquest of New Mexico.
La Conquistadora has a vast wardrobe. Close to 300 outfits. Cancer survivors often donate hair for her wigs. The outfits are sewn and donated by the faithful. They’re rich in detail and often feature elaborate designs. Even non-Catholics honor her. Actress Ali MacGraw commissioned an outfit for her.
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi’s history continues. The Stations of the Cross were originally in New Mexico Mission Style. French archbishops repainted the walls white. The current archbishop restored them to their historical style. They are created in Santero style by Marie Romero Cash. Roberto Montoya a Penitent carved the Spanish-style frames.
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to faith perseverance and the enduring spirit of Santa Fe. A place where history art and spirituality intertwine. A place where you can feel the weight of centuries and the hope of new beginnings. A place worth exploring again and again.