Many New Mexican soldiers who were members of the New Mexico National Guard were sent to the Philippines during World War II. When Japan attacked many were taken prisoners and forced to walk 60 miles in what today is called the Battan Death March. Many prisoners did not survive the forced walk. Some of those who did survive the walk made a promise, if they lived and returned home alive, they would make a pilgrimage to El Santuario.
In 1945 there was an organized pilgrimage by many of the survivors. Some did walk 100 miles from as far as Albuquerque and others because of the physical limitations drove to Chimayo. There they were welcome by Archbishop Byrne who blessed them and celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving. This began the tradition of an organized or planned pilgrimage for many people.
