The staircase in Santa Fe's Loretto Chapel is a marvel to behold. In reading about its history, I uncovered the following facts which seem to run common to the majority of accounts about how the staircase came to be:
* The chapel's architect died before completing the building.
* A staircase to the choir loft still needed to be constructed after the architect's passing.
* When carpenters were consulted to finish the work, it was held that a staircase would require too much space or it would be too difficult to complete; a recommendation was made that a ladder be used to access the choir loft.
* The Sisters of Loretto prayed a novena to St. Joseph, Patron Saint of Carpenters, for an alternative solution.
* On the ninth day of the Sisters' prayers, a carpenter appeared, bringing with him simple tools and wooden pegs.
* The carpenter worked alone and requested that he be the only one in the chapel during the staircase's construction.
* The beautiful structure contains 33 steps with two 360 degree turns; there is no center pole for structural support; the wood used is not native to the American southwest; banisters were added later.
* The carpenter disappeared before the Sisters could properly thank him and pay him.
It remains a mystery whether St. Joseph built the staircase himself or if he sent someone to do so. However, what is certain is that the Sisters prayed for nine days, and their prayers were answered... a testimony to the power prayer, faith, and confidence in God.
Call to Action: Believe with all your heart... "With God, all things are possible!" (Matthew 19:26)