The Sierra Chapel at White Sands Missile Range has been bestowed the honor of being designated as a place of pilgrimage by the Military Archdiocese Archbishop.
The designation is a significant honor for the installation and for all Christians who may now journey here for spiritual enrichment and reflection.
Father Christopher Adunchezor, the Catholic Priest at Sierra Chapel, said WSMR has been given a special gift in the designation allowing parishioners in the local area to come do their pilgrimage here instead of having to travel to major Basilicas in Rome, Holy Land sites, or other designated ecclesiastical sites.
On June 20, 2025, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the Archbishop for the Military Archdiocese designated Sierra Chapel as a place for pilgrimage where Jubilee Indulgence is obtained during the Jubilee Year that began Dec. 24, 2024, and runs through Jan. 6, 2026.
Father Christopher said the chapel is open to all community members who wish to seek pilgrimage, spiritual support or just to visit the historic site. It is open from Sunday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Mass is at 11:30 a.m. For more information call (575) 678-2615.
A Jubilee indulgence, specifically during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, is a special opportunity offered by the Catholic Church to receive remission of the temporal punishment due to sin.
This indulgence, a gift of God’s grace, is available to those who are truly repentant, have received the Sacrament of Penance (confession), and fulfill certain prescribed actions like prayer and, in many cases, a pilgrimage to a Jubilee site. It’s a chance for Catholics to experience God’s mercy and to be purified from the lingering effects of sin.
During the jubilee year, the Pope opens the Holy Door of St. Peter’s and others: St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Basilicas for the pilgrims to pass through as a purification journey and passage into the Holy Land.
Prayers include Apostles Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory to God (3 times) for Pope’s intention. Perform the Acts of Charity and be reconciled with one another. Fasting, Prayers and Sacramental Confession. There is also a special Jubilee prayer.
Sierra Chapel was originally constructed during World War II at Camp Luna near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Camp Luna served as a basic training and advanced aerial gunnery training facility for the U.S. Army and Air Force. The chapel was dismantled sometime after the war and moved to WSMR to serve the religious needs of what was then called White Sands Proving Ground. After the new Post Chapel was built, Sierra Chapel was designated for Catholic Services. It is believed to be the only surviving, primarily unaltered 700 series military chapel in New Mexico.
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