Alvarez wrote to the Vicar General in Durango, Mexico with the same request along with recommendations from many others from the area of Santa Cruz and such. The church was privately owned until 1929 when several people from Santa Fe purchased it from the Chavez family to donate it to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. At this time El Santuario became a mission of the Santa Cruz church. These depict many beloved saints, and are in a folk style that is timeless and charming. The reputation comes not from apparitions but from the healing that have been reported.
People come from afar seeking cures on trier pilgrimages.
There is also a pilgrimage held in the spring for Peace. It starts with a celebration of Mass at the Holy Family Church in Chimayo. Here a final ceremony happens. The flame and the dirt is floated onto Ashley Pond. All faiths interested in the promotion of world peace are welcome to participate.