Pilgrims climb Mount Cristo Rey as eminent domain case threatens shrine land

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — Dozens of parishioners climbed Mount Cristo Rey on Sunday, gathering in prayer as the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Las Cruces and El Paso continue fighting the federal government’s effort to acquire church-owned land for expanded border security infrastructure.

The annual pilgrimage, which has brought worshippers to the shrine for nearly a century, came weeks after the Trump administration filed an eminent domain lawsuit seeking to acquire about 14.26 acres of Diocese-owned land at the base of Mount Cristo Rey.

According to federal court filings, the government says the property is needed to construct and maintain additional border security infrastructure, including fencing, access roads, lighting, cameras, sensors, and vehicle barriers.

Federal officials have also stated that access to the shrine from the U.S. side would remain open.

Church leaders, however, argue that the project threatens the integrity of one of the Southwest’s most recognized Catholic pilgrimage sites and interferes with the free exercise of religion.

“This pilgrimage is not against the government, against a policy or anything else,” Bishop Peter Baldacchino said ahead of Sunday’s event. “It is for the Church; it is for unity, and it is for religious freedom.”

Deacon Jim Winder, Chancellor of the Diocese of Las Cruces, said the Diocese is not opposing border security itself.

“We’re not opposed to border security,” Winder told KFOX14. “We’ve said that over and over again… We’re just asking the government to uphold the laws that are already on the books.”

Winder said the Diocese previously granted the federal government permission to build an access road and install surveillance sensors along portions of the property.

He said the Diocese believes those existing measures provide border security while minimizing the impact on the shrine.

The Diocese argues the Religious Freedom Restoration Act requires the government to use the least restrictive approach when a project affects religious exercise..

Church leaders say they want the government to pursue alternatives that preserve the site’s religious character.

Sunday’s pilgrimage reflected that message.

Despite triple-digit temperatures, parishioners walked the steep path to the summit while singing hymns, praying, and worshipping together as musicians led the climb.

Families, clergy, and worshippers from across the Borderland gathered for Mass at the summit overlooking New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.

Many participants emphasized that they viewed the pilgrimage as an expression of faith rather than a political demonstration.

“I think the main message is that this is not a political walk for us at all,” pilgrim Daniel Gonzalez told KFOX14. “In reality, it’s a sacred place.”

Another participant said people often misunderstand the purpose of the gathering.

“People get the wrong idea that we are here to protest against the president or the president’s administration, but that’s not about that,” one parishioner said. “It’s about coming to protect a religious symbol that signifies unity.”

Longtime parishioner Velma Navarrete Gonzalez described Mount Cristo Rey as more than a landmark.

“It’s a symbol of the Southwest,” she said. “It is a place to pray. It is a place for memories to be made. It is a place to gather. It is a place where everything comes together.”

As part of the eminent domain proceedings, the federal government has offered $183,071 as compensation for the property and deposited that amount with the court.

Diocese officials say the dispute is not about the property’s monetary value but about protecting a sacred religious site.

A federal judge is expected to continue hearing the case next month.

Tags: