"The Miracle of Loretto"

by Richard Knight  

Uploaded 19 Aug 2009 — 33 favorites

© Richard Knight

[From Colorado Springs, Colorado]

John Tanner's recent photo ("Our Lady of Consolation Church") inspired me to upload this.

In 1872 the Santa Fe Archdiocese authorized construction of the Loretto Chapel, under the care of the Sisters of Loretto. An architect was hired and construction began.

Before completion, the architect died leaving the builders without any supervision. In due course, the Chapel was finished, and the builders dispersed and moved on. Unfortunately, the builders did not provide for any access to the choir loft.

The Sisters prayed for nine days for St. Joseph to intercede on their behalf. On the day after their novena, an unkempt man arrived and promised a solution, if the Sisters would grant him total privacy for three months. They agreed.

Armed with the most primitive tools and with non-native wood, the carpenter constructed a masterpiece of both engineering and beauty.

The carpenter's staircase stands 20-feet high and makes two complete revolutions. It has no nails, only pegs and dowells. It has no center support. Nor is it attached to a wall or to a pole.

The carpenter did not wait to be paid. He disappeared without a trace. Efforts to find him were unsuccessful.

For more than a century, the staircase has baffled engineers and architects. It doesn't seem possible that it could bear weight. And, no source of the non-native wood has been found.

Theologians have observed that the staircase has 33 steps, the age of Christ at the Crucifixion.

This is "The Miracle of Loretto."

[Other notes: The Chapel, itself, is of the Gothic Revival Style, and strongly resembles the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, but on a smaller scale. At one time I thought about deleting this shot, because it is darker than I would like.]

39 responses

  • JOE FAILK

    JOE FAILK   gave props (19 Aug 2009):

    That staircase is fantastic. Great shot

  • Regenia Brabham

    Regenia Brabham   gave props (19 Aug 2009):

    WOW! A beautiful story and a beautiful church. I am so glad that you posted it.

  • diana anderson

    diana anderson   gave props (19 Aug 2009):

    i love the photo! i've read this story and have seen a movie on it. fabulous!

  • Andrea Petersen

    Andrea Petersen gave props (19 Aug 2009):

    Incredibly beautiful and I have read that story somewhere before...I believe the carpenter was an angel to have built this without nails...and for him to disappear without a trace is most unusual...I am glad you posted this.

  • Brenda Burk

    Brenda Burk gave props (20 Aug 2009):

    awesome shot

  • peggy gardner

    peggy gardner gave props (20 Aug 2009):

    love the 33 stairs...interesting story, great shot !!!

  • Karen K Smith

    Karen K Smith   gave props (20 Aug 2009):

    Outstanding pov and comp. And your text just makes it even more. And what a nice tribute to John Tanner!

  • JamesHarmon McQuilkin

    JamesHarmon McQuilkin   gave props (20 Aug 2009):

    Beautiful---Not true, if you look at some of my work, many hits for my work have come because of my chruch/chapcole stuff.

  • Dawn Duffield

    Dawn Duffield (Deleted) gave props (20 Aug 2009):

    Wonderful photo and commentary!

  • Gail Anderson

    Gail Anderson   gave props (20 Aug 2009):

    what an amazing story! the result is a beautiful staircase..... and a great photo as well!

  • LauraCPhotography

    LauraCPhotography gave props (20 Aug 2009):

    Magnificent well composed shot! Great details, colors and light!

  • Judy Wanamaker

    Judy Wanamaker gave props (20 Aug 2009):

    Now I have goosebumps. Not only is this miraculous staircase beautiful to behold, it is a masterpiece of architecture. The darkness of the shot enhances your text with a sense of mystery of its own. Please, please, if the architecture theme has not closed,enter this one. It is unique.

  • Judy Wanamaker

    Judy Wanamaker said (20 Aug 2009):

    I just checked, and the architecture theme is closed. I am glad you have it entered into a theme, because it should go hot.

  • Michael Ball

    Michael Ball   gave props (20 Aug 2009):

    Awesome shot and tribute!!

  • Donald Garrett

    Donald Garrett   gave props (20 Aug 2009):

    Totally beautiful. I've seen documentaries about this, but never any photographs. Thanks!

  • david ong

    david ong   gave props (20 Aug 2009):

    this is AMAZING, both the story and your shot, Bravo!

  • Ann Reece

    Ann Reece   gave props (20 Aug 2009):

    This is a beautiful photo!!!!! I am so glad that you did not delete it and that you provided the history to this magnificent staircase!!!

  • Aloha Montgomery

    Aloha Montgomery gave props (21 Aug 2009):

    this church picture definitely will attract attention - outstanding shot and enjoyed the info you provided!

  • Alexis Gerard

    Alexis Gerard gave props (21 Aug 2009):

    Fascinating story. That staircase is stunningly beautiful

  • Maurie A

    Maurie A   gave props (21 Aug 2009):

    So glad you shared this one Richard...... I've read the story about this church before..... Just beautiful!!!

  • Linda Houghton

    Linda Houghton   gave props (21 Aug 2009):

    Fantastic

  • Mary Brown

    Mary Brown   gave props (21 Aug 2009):

    We're all very fortunate that you didn't delete this shot! I've seen this staircase and it's a small space, so it must have been difficult to capture the staircase, which you have done. I really like the deep wood tones contrasted against the white walls. Well done.

  • Nancy Charter Kechnie Goatbe

    Nancy Charter Kechnie Goatbe said (22 Aug 2009):

    Beautiful picture, and a wonderful write up.. A living triubte too the power of prayer...

  • Karin Burton

    Karin Burton   said (22 Aug 2009):

    Glad you didn't delete. Awesome.

  • Lanis Rossi

    Lanis Rossi gave props (22 Aug 2009):

    Great narative and photo!

  • John Linton

    John Linton gave props (22 Aug 2009):

    Wonderful tribute.

  • Tom Mertens

    Tom Mertens added a link (22 Aug 2009):

    Great story and photo. I'm glad you didn't delete it. For another "Loretto" story see the link. (jpgmag.com)

  • eithne mythen

    eithne mythen   gave props (22 Aug 2009):

    Lovely comp of this lovely staircase made even more interesting by the wonderful story...

  • judy fouse

    judy fouse gave props (22 Aug 2009):

    Amazing. Wish I were in Col and Utah. Love it out there. Enjoy

  • Anne Worner

    Anne Worner   said (23 Aug 2009):

    Thanks so much for the fab commentary on this image. I'm just getting around to some replies - we seem to be up to our necks in work in this house!

  • Litz Go

    Litz Go gave props (23 Aug 2009):

    Wow! glad you posted this. I read it before and saw a photo. Great capture, Richard! This is marvelous and amazing story

  • Andrew Lorimer

    Andrew Lorimer gave props (25 Aug 2009):

    Like this alot well done !! Lighting and color are terrific!!!

  • Leslie Hunziker

    Leslie Hunziker   gave props (27 Aug 2009):

    Wonderful comp & lighting!

  • Elaine Manley

    Elaine Manley gave props (27 Aug 2009):

    amazing and beautiful staricase .beautiful shot

  • Lisa Starling

    Lisa Starling gave props (27 Aug 2009):

    Amazing story!! Really great shot, I am glad you did not delete it!!

  • elfriede fulda

    elfriede fulda   gave props (31 Aug 2009):

    Awesme story,,and image

  • LauraCPhotography

    LauraCPhotography gave props (31 Aug 2009):

    Explendid inspiration that resulted in a great shot! Well done Richard!

  • Kathleen Struckle

    Kathleen Struckle gave props (1 Sep 2009):

    Gorgeous place.

  • Michele Randell

    Michele Randell gave props (21 Oct 2009):

    What a wonderful story Richard.....you should do a photo essay on this subject and submit it to JPG........very beautiful and enlightening narrative

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