On Day 6 of the virtual pilgrimage – the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – we arrive in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
In the heart of this beautiful city is the historic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Inside the church is a special treasure, particularly significant on this Solemnity. It is the image of Our Lady of la Conquistadora. This is the oldest continuously venerated image of Mary in the U.S. The statue was carved in Spain and brought by the Franciscans to Santa Fe in 1625 and named Our Lady of Conquering Love.
Let us step back and consider what exactly this Marian title means? The conquering love is the redeeming work of Christ; that the title is attached to Mary is a reminder that our redemption was only made possible through Mary’s freely given “yes.” And Mary was only in a position to make such an awesome and gratuitous act because she herself was free of the stain of original sin; a big part of what we celebrate on this solemnity. Hopefully in the little things that we do, we can also be a model of that conquering love to all whom we encounter.
Discover Catholic New Mexico
To learn more about the sights of Catholic Santa Fe and other communities in New Mexico, read the Catholic Guide to New Mexico here.
Concluding Psalm
Today’s concluding psalm is from Psalm 95:
“Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; cry out to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with a song of praise, joyfully sing out our psalms. For the Lord is the great God, the great king over all gods. Whose hand holds the depths of the earth who owns the tops of the mountains. The sea and dry land belong to God, who made them, formed them by hand.” (Psalm 95: 1-5)
Previous days of the pilgrimage:
Day 1 – Rapid City, South Dakota
Day 2 – Montana
Day 3 – Sacramento
Day 4 – Los Angeles
Day 5 – Tucson
CATHOLIC CONCIERGE 
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