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New Mexico Man-gel
By admin | August 30, 2010
One of my favorite spiritual homes is a place called Chimayo in New Mexico. A small adobe church resides there known for facilitating miracles. Almost two centuries old, the chapel is a site tens of thousands visit every year. During my own most recent visit, I noticed lots of construction taking place. Someone was really looking out for this beloved place
Walking into the sanctuary, I took a seat in the front row of pews. Suddenly, a man less than five feet tall began greeting everyone present. Approaching me, he asked if I lived close because I looked familiar. As our conversation continued, we moved out to an adobe wall beyond which several smaller shrines fit nicely between the church and a narrow river. His comments went something like this, “I salvaged this building. The whole back side was collapsing. Then we got to work on the grounds. Over fifty years I’ve spent working here. This place is so special. I am ninety two and still going strong.” Father Roca’s passion was palpable even when he wasn’t speaking. His love for Chimayo had been consistently put into action for over half a century with no signs of stopping.
The old adage “do what you love” came to mind. Roca’s vibrant energy was a living, breathing, testament to a life well lived. His mere presence was an inspiration. Despite the weirdness of reality TV, and negative nightly news, there are people who march to the beat of their own drummer. They are possessed with happiness and purpose. They light up communities without lecturing because their luminescence is an internal commodity radiating out from a core of sturdily aligned beliefs. They are man-gels (and woman-gels). Father Roca was my Man-gel that day gifting me with unadulterated joyful focus, and Chimayo may not be around at all if not for his tenacious devotion.
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