San Francisco de Asis Church, NM
One of the most photographed/painted churches in the United States, San Francisco de Asis is a vibrant Roman Catholic parish in Ranchos de Taos, NM and has stood as a cornerstone of the surrounding faith community since its construction began, perhaps as early as 1772. Worship with us and explore our heritage and history.
One of the great mysteries of the world is housed quietly and humbly in the facilities at San Francisco de Asis. It is a painting that has traveled the world and been featured in numerous important collections, finally to find itself here. "The Shadow of the Cross," painted by 18th-century artist Henri Ault before the discovery of luminescent materials, is a portrait of Christ by the Sea of Galilee in daylight. However, in darkness, the image glows and changes. A cross appears over the shoulder of the Christ figure, and multiple other phenomena.
Justice is only done to the experience by the beautiful presentation offered by the parish and the opportunity to view the painting both in the light and in a controlled, darkened environment. To observe this phenomenon, a request at the gift store during normal hours can be made. Alternately, visits can be scheduled by calling (575) 758-2754.
Interior Art
The church houses treasures of the Spanish Colonial style in its reredos (altar screens) and its other interior art. Of its two hand-carved and hand-painted reredos, one features eight antique oil paintings and one displays lovingly hand-adzed panels. The interior also includes hand-hewen vigas (ceiling beams) resting on hand-carved corbels. The imposing beauty and painstaking effort and care that greets the visitor stands as a testament to the faith of generations gone before.
The Enjarre
The San Francisco de Asis church building itself can be said to be a living work of art, and its endurance itself is a testament to the faith and the community effort of the people who have cared for it over many generations. As traditional adobe construction dating from the 18th century, the building must be renewed yearly by fresh coats of mud plaster, lest the structure begin to erode and become again the simple earth from which it was built. This periodic re-mudding is called "enjaere" in Spanish, it is an enormous labor of love from all who participate.
San Francisco de Asis Church
60 St. Francis Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557
(575) 758-2754
➠ www.san-francisco-de-asis.org
Artistic Heritage
Mystery PaintingOne of the great mysteries of the world is housed quietly and humbly in the facilities at San Francisco de Asis. It is a painting that has traveled the world and been featured in numerous important collections, finally to find itself here. "The Shadow of the Cross," painted by 18th-century artist Henri Ault before the discovery of luminescent materials, is a portrait of Christ by the Sea of Galilee in daylight. However, in darkness, the image glows and changes. A cross appears over the shoulder of the Christ figure, and multiple other phenomena.
Justice is only done to the experience by the beautiful presentation offered by the parish and the opportunity to view the painting both in the light and in a controlled, darkened environment. To observe this phenomenon, a request at the gift store during normal hours can be made. Alternately, visits can be scheduled by calling (575) 758-2754.
Interior Art
The church houses treasures of the Spanish Colonial style in its reredos (altar screens) and its other interior art. Of its two hand-carved and hand-painted reredos, one features eight antique oil paintings and one displays lovingly hand-adzed panels. The interior also includes hand-hewen vigas (ceiling beams) resting on hand-carved corbels. The imposing beauty and painstaking effort and care that greets the visitor stands as a testament to the faith of generations gone before.
The Enjarre
The San Francisco de Asis church building itself can be said to be a living work of art, and its endurance itself is a testament to the faith and the community effort of the people who have cared for it over many generations. As traditional adobe construction dating from the 18th century, the building must be renewed yearly by fresh coats of mud plaster, lest the structure begin to erode and become again the simple earth from which it was built. This periodic re-mudding is called "enjaere" in Spanish, it is an enormous labor of love from all who participate.
Additional Information
60 St. Francis Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557
(575) 758-2754
➠ www.san-francisco-de-asis.org
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