Family has taken care of tiny New Mexico church for generations

Published: 2005-10-05

LA BAJADA, N.M. (CNS) -- One New Mexico family has had a devotion to St. Michael the Archangel since their ancestors braved the harsh elements of the New World as colonial settlers from Spain, homesteading 400 years ago in sometimes hostile territory. Eloy Montoya Sr.'s ancestors helped build San Miguel Church in La Bajada in the 1600s, and for generation after generation family members have been caretakers of the church. So the saint's feast day, Sept. 29, has always been a cause for celebration for the family, the church and the village. On Sept. 24, in anticipation of this year's feast day, a special Mass was concelebrated by Franciscan Fathers Cecil J. Kleber, a priest for 55 years, and Wayne Gibbeaut, both of whom are based in nearby Pena Blanca.

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