Exploring Mount Cristo Rey: A Local Emblem in Sunland Park, NM

Key Takeaways
Historical Significance	The vision of Fr. Lourdes Costa in 1933 led to the creation of a monumental statue on Mount Cristo Rey, embodying communal spiritual aspirations.
Geological Features	Situated on the Rio Grande Rift, the mountain’s volcanic rock composition dates back to the Oligocene epoch.
Cultural Relevance	The annual pilgrimage and other local events reflect the ongoing spiritual and communal significance of the mountain.
Biodiversity	Home to diverse wildlife including endangered species, Mount Cristo Rey is a valuable ecological habitat.
Local Events	Annual pilgrimage, guided hikes, and races are among the events that foster cross-border cultural connections.

Introduction

Standing tall at the heart of Sunland Park, New Mexico, Mount Cristo Rey is more than just a geographical landmark. Its towering limestone statue of Christ, perched atop the Sierra de Cristo Rey, serves as a symbol of faith and communal identity to the people of Sunland Park, El Paso, and Juarez. The mountain’s historical roots, geological richness, and cultural festivities paint a vivid narrative of the region’s vibrant heritage. Sunshine Essentials, nestled beside this emblematic mountain, is not just a neighbor but a part of this rich communal tapestry.

Historical Significance

The journey of Mount Cristo Rey began with a vision in 1933. Fr. Lourdes Costa, a local parish priest, aspired to erect a monumental cross atop the Sierra de Cristo Rey, then known as the Cerro de los Muleros (Mule Drivers Mountain). Despite uncertainties regarding the mountain’s ownership and jurisdiction, Fr. Costa, along with sixteen others, embarked on an arduous trek on October 28, 1933, laying the groundwork for a spiritual landmark.

With the blessing of Bishop A.J. Schuler of El Paso, the community rallied together to realize this vision. Men, women, and children worked tirelessly for almost five years, building a two and a half mile road to make the statue accessible. Their efforts culminated in a solemn procession on Palm Sunday in 1934, where a larger, iron cross replaced the initial wooden one, marking a significant stride towards their monumental dream.

The narrative took a monumental turn in 1937 when Fr. Costa met with Bishop Schuler to recommend commissioning his good friend, the world-renowned sculptor Urbici Soler, to construct the monument. With financial backing, Soler meticulously selected the finest limestone from Austin’s quarries, crafting each stone himself. His dedication shone through as he worked from dawn to dusk daily, bringing the limestone statue to completion just in time for the annual pilgrimage on October 29, 1939​.

Geological Features

Mount Cristo Rey is not only a spiritual haven but also a geological marvel. Situated on the Rio Grande Rift, this mountain showcases a series of faults and basins extending from Colorado to Mexico. The volcanic rocks adorning the mountain date back to the Oligocene epoch, around 23 to 34 million years ago, offering a glimpse into Earth’s ancient history.

Biodiversity

The mountain’s ecosystem is a thriving habitat for a variety of wildlife. From desert cottontails and black-tailed jackrabbits to mule deer and roadrunners, the biodiversity of Mount Cristo Rey is a testament to the region’s ecological richness. The mountain also serves as a refuge for several endangered species such as the Mexican spotted owl, the southwestern willow flycatcher, and the Chihuahuan desert lyre snake, emphasizing its environmental significance.

• Desert Cottontails
• Black-tailed Jackrabbits
• Coyotes
• Bobcats
• Mule Deer
• Roadrunners
• Quail
• Hawks
• Eagles
• Rattlesnakes

Cultural Relevance

The historical and cultural footprint of Mount Cristo Rey extends far beyond its geographical bounds. Since the 16th century, the mountain has served as a landmark for Spanish explorers, who named it Cerro de los Muleros (Mule Drivers Mountain) due to the mule trains that traversed the area. Additionally, Native Americans held the mountain in high reverence, performing ceremonies and rituals on its sacred grounds.

The mountain’s dinosaur tracks, discovered in 1987, add another layer to its rich historical narrative. These tracks belong to several species of dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period, approximately 65 to 145 million years ago. The finds include tracks of a tyrannosaur, a ceratopsian, and a hadrosaur, taking visitors on a journey back in time to a prehistoric era.

Moreover, the mountain, being a boundary marker between the United States and Mexico, symbolizes a cross-border cultural connection. Its location near the tristate boundary of New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua, Mexico, makes Mount Cristo Rey a symbol of unity and shared heritage among the communities residing in the borderlands.

Mount Cristo Rey continues to be a focal point of cultural and spiritual celebrations. The annual pilgrimage, traditionally held on the last Sunday of October, has now aligned with the feast day of Christ the King. This pilgrimage attracts thousands of faithful from both sides of the border, embodying a profound sense of shared spirituality and cultural camaraderie. Moreover, guided hikes, races, and special presentations on the natural and historical aspects of the mountain further enrich the local cultural narrative.

Local Events

The trail leading to the summit, though on private property, opens up for planned special events. These events not only provide an opportunity for the local and wider community to engage with the mountain’s rich history and natural beauty, but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the area’s cultural heritage. Whether it’s the breathtaking views from the summit or the serene spiritual ambiance that envelops the mountain, each event is a unique experience that resonates with attendees long after.

Conclusion

Mount Cristo Rey is more than a towering figure on the landscape of Sunland Park, New Mexico. Its historical, geological, and cultural significance is a rich narrative woven into the fabric of the local communities of Sunland Park, El Paso, and Juarez. Sunshine Essentials, by virtue of its proximity to this emblematic landmark, is not only a part of this rich history but also a bridge connecting the past with the present, and the local with the global. By embracing the local culture and history, Sunshine Essentials strives to foster a sense of community, awareness, and appreciation among its clientele and readers. The story of Mount Cristo Rey is a testament to the region’s enduring spirit and communal bonds, echoing the ethos of unity, heritage, and shared experiences that Sunshine Essentials cherishes.