In the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.A., a 130 year old mystery

draws more than 250,000 visitors each year. The center of attraction

is the Loretto chapel.

What distinguishes this chapel from all others is that the purported miracle

concerns a staircase.

The chapel was constructed in the 19th century. When the construction was

finished, the nuns realized that it lacked any type of staircase access to the

choir loft.

For nine days they prayed to St. Joseph, patron saint of carpenters.

On the last day of their novena a stranger knocked on the door and told

them he was a carpenter and could build a staircase for them.

By himself he constructed a staircase that is considered

a jewel of carpentry.

Nobody can explain how this staircase can stand since there is no

center support.

Then the worker, who didn’t use a single nail to complete his work, disappeared

without even asking for payment.

A rumor circulated that the carpenter was Saint Joseph

himself.

…sent by Jesus to resolve the nuns’ problem. Since then, the church has

been a pilgrimage center.

The saying goes that there are three mysteries involving the staircase:

the first mystery is that the identity of the stranger is still unknown.

The second mystery: scientists and architects cannot explain how the staircase can stand

without support.

The third mystery : Where did the stranger get the wood to build the

staircase? The wood is not available in the region of Santa Fe.

Another detail that enhances belief in a miracle: There are 33 steps, the age of Jesus when he was crucified.

M. Gallo