About Santo Niño de Atocha Mission · Cebolla, New Mexico
Santo Niño de Atocha Mission is a historic 19th-century parish in Chihuahua, Mexico, established between February 20 and August 24, 1902, under the patronage of Santo Niño de Atocha. The church, built with adobe walls and a vaulted roof, has undergone minimal renovations since its founding, with the most significant restoration led by Father Pedro P. Royo in the 1920s. It remains an active spiritual center and a cultural heritage site, recognized for its architectural integrity and ongoing conservation projects, including a 2018 stained glass window collaboration with a Barcelona-based workshop. The mission is operated by Misiones Coloniales de Chihuahua A.C., a non-profit civil association dedicated to preserving colonial heritage.
- Established
- 1902
- Patron
- Santo Niño de Atocha
- Rector
- Simón Benavides
- Diocese
- Diocese of Chihuahua
Why belong here
The parish offers a deep connection to its colonial heritage and spiritual tradition, with active ministries and community involvement. It is a place of historical reverence, where the faithful can participate in sacraments and services in a setting preserved since the 19th century. The mission also engages in cultural preservation, including restoration projects like the 2018 stained glass window, which reflects its commitment to both faith and heritage.
History
The parish was granted to Santo Niño by Monsignor Nicolás Pérez Gavilán y Echeverría between February 20 and August 24, 1902. The church has undergone few renovations since its founding, with the most significant work led by Father Pedro P. Royo in the 1920s. His contributions are commemorated with a plaque inside the church. The building is a 19th-century adobe structure, classified as immovable property, and was restored in 2018 with a new stained glass window made using traditional European techniques.
Architecture & Restoration
The church features adobe walls, a vaulted roof, and a basilical floor. It was restored in 2018 with a 5.9m² stained glass window created in collaboration with Vitrales Montaña, a Barcelona-based heritage workshop. The window uses imported colored glass and traditional European painting techniques, including grisaille and mineral paints vitrified at over 600°C.
Organization
The mission is operated by Misiones Coloniales de Chihuahua A.C., a non-profit civil association founded to conserve and promote cultural heritage through projects and programs. The organization is based in Chihuahua, Mexico, and operates in both Spanish and English.