Mount Cristo Rey

Mount Cristo Rey is an iconic monument for three states: Chihuahua, Texas, and New Mexico. The establishment of a local pilgrimage began with the parishioners and leader, Monsignor Lourdes F. Costa, of the Smeltertown Church of San Jose. Even before the statue and path up the mountain had been erected, small groups endured the treacherous journey up the mountain on their pilgrimage. The idea of establishing a pilgrimage and building such a monument is credited to Father Costa.

One of the earliest changes that occurred in this project was the name. Before, the area was known as Cerros de los Muleros or Mule Drivers Mountain. It was through a petition that the pariush submitted to the government that the mountain would forever be known as Mount Cristo Rey or Sierra de Cristo Rey. Not only did the community of Smeltertown pave the way for easier travels by serving as the main voluntary workforce, they also helped raise a large sum of financial donations to fund the project.

Costa turned to fellow Spaniard Urbici Soler, an accomplished sculptor, when it came time to design and build the monument for the top of Mount Cristo Rey. The limestone which makes up the 29 foot statue came from a quarry in Austin, Texas. The commitment of Soler to his project was notable through his daily schedule when working on the sculpture. Every day he would begin work at 4 a.m. and continue working until sundown through the project's completion.

The project was a success as it has served as a pilgrimage location since 1939. The pilgrimage continues every October.

To Learn More Seek these Sources:

• To view more images of Cristo Rey past and present day see the Cristo Rey Picture File or the DIGIE.
• El Paso Vertical File - Cristo Rey
• El Paso Vertical File - Priests
• Calleros Collection
•  More library materials.
• http://mtcristorey.com/