EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A World War II-era chapel at White Sands Missile Range has been designated as a “place of pilgrimage” by the Military Archdiocese.
The designation has been given to the Sierra Chapel, according to the Army post.
“The designation is a significant honor for the installation and for all Christians who may now journey here for spiritual enrichment and reflection,” White Sands said in a news release.
Father Christopher Adunchezor, the Catholic priest at Sierra Chapel, said WSMR has been given a special gift in the designation allowing parishioners in the local area to come do their pilgrimage here instead of having to travel to major basilicas in Rome, Holy Land sites, or other designated ecclesiastical sites.
On June 20, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the archbishop for the Military Archdiocese, designated Sierra Chapel as a place for pilgrimage where Jubilee Indulgence (foregivenes of sins) is obtained during the Jubilee Year that began Dec. 24, 2024, and runs through Jan. 6, 2026.
Sierra Chapel was originally constructed during World War II at Camp Luna near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Camp Luna served as a basic training and advanced aerial gunnery training facility for the U.S. Army and Air Force.
The chapel was dismantled sometime after the war and moved to WSMR to serve the religious needs of what was then called White Sands Proving Ground.
After the new Post Chapel was built, Sierra Chapel was designated for Catholic services. It is believed to be the only surviving, primarily unaltered 700 series military chapel in New Mexico, White Sands said.
The chapel is open to all community members who wish to seek pilgrimage, spiritual support or just to visit the historic site.
It is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and Mass is at 11:30 a.m. For more information call (575) 678-2615.
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