The Children’s Chapel

Questions? Contact the Artist:  Candis McKinzie - [email protected]

Description: Not for Sale. Private Collection. The Holy Child of Atocha Chapel, was built in 1857 when Severiano Medina, a member of the tiny village of El Potrero, became ill and promised that, if he recovered, he would make the pilgrimage to the shrine of Santo Nino de Atocha in Plateros, Mexico. He recovered and made good his promise.  He didn't stop there, but gained permission to build this small chapel in Chimayo, to the Holy Child. Santo Nino soon became ingrained the the culture of the Rio Grande Valley.  The chapel has shelves full of children's shoes, left by modern day pilgrim's, intended for the Holy Child, so he may have new shoes as he travels on his journey to provide comfort to those in need.  The ornate carvings, whimsical details & the kind story behind this tiny chapel were my inspiration to draw it.