Senate Memorial 24 recognizes the historical and cultural significance of El Santuario de Chimayo and the Chimayo pilgrimage for the people of New Mexico. The memorial highlights the rich history of the area, from its early habitation by the Tewa and Pueblo Indians to the establishment of the sanctuary in 1816, which became a site for healing and pilgrimage. It notes the growth of the pilgrimage, particularly after World War II, and its recognition as an official pilgrimage site by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in 1979. The memorial also emphasizes the diverse participation in the pilgrimage, attracting over three hundred thousand pilgrims annually from various religious backgrounds.
Additionally, the memorial acknowledges the efforts of local authorities to ensure the safety of pilgrims and the media's role in promoting the pilgrimage's significance. It mentions an upcoming two-year exhibit at the New Mexico History Museum that will showcase the Chimayo pilgrimage, further solidifying its importance in the state's cultural heritage. The Senate calls for the recognition of this significance and requests that a copy of the memorial be sent to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.