The Miraculous Staircase of Loretto

Last night at dinner, my father-in-law mentioned the "Miraculous Staircase" in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a marvel of craftsmanship and inexplicable ingenuity. Over the years, the staircase has baffled architects and wood experts alike, as it was constructed with no visible means of support from a wood that has never been positively identified. The sisters of Loretto credited St. Joseph with the work, telling of how an unknown carpenter appeared on the ninth day of their Novena for a new staircase to an inaccessible choir loft. With only a few simple carpentry tools, the man completed the project in just a few months, disappearing without thanks or payment.

So, of course, with this intriguing story fresh in my mind, I came home to hear a message from Lissa saying that she and the Bonny Glenners made it to Santa Fe.

I would like to tell her about the Staircase, but, if I know them, they've probably already visited the chapel, lit a candle there for all of us, and are by now fully immersed in the mathematical mystery underlying its construction. Sitting here at my computer in New York, I can see the visit in my mind's eye--Jane is taking measurements of the risers and mentally calculating how many it should take to reach the choir loft; Rose is poring over a field guide to unusual woods of New Mexico; and Beanie is sitting on the lap of the Mother Superior, surrounded by a group of delighted sisters!

I for one will be looking forward to the next update!

Comments

[Andrea]

My extended family is in Denver, so as a young girl we used to make the drive from Fort Worth to Denver frequently. On several occastions we took a detour to Santa Fe, and it is one of my favorite Catholic spots on this side of the country! I remember being totally enthralled with the story of the staircase...and the little church is so beautiful. Thanks for posting about that, it refreshed my memory!

[Alice Gunther]

Thank you, Andrea! And since I missed Lissa's call yet again today (another message while we were out), I'll just need to keep posting imagined accounts of their journey! LOL!

[Jenn Miller]

I've always been so fascinated about that staircase since my mother told us about her when she saw it as a girl. It's a shame it's privately owned and more touristy, but I hope some day to see it!