Our History

The history of St. Anthony of Padua Parish is deeply intertwined with the history of the communities of Questa, Cerro, Costilla, Amalia, and Red River. For nearly two centuries, the Catholic faith has shaped the spiritual and cultural life of the people of the upper Rio Grande Valley. Today, St. Anthony Parish serves as the mother church for four mission communities, continuing a tradition of worship, service, and devotion passed down through generations.

St. Anthony of Padua Church, Questa

The roots of Catholic worship in Questa date back to the early settlement of the village, then known as San Antonio del Río Colorado. Historical records indicate that an early oratory, or capilla, existed in the area by the 1840s, and construction of the church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua likely began shortly after the founding of the village in 1842. The church appears to have been completed by approximately 1860 when Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy noted a beautiful new church standing on the plaza.

Over the years, the church underwent numerous repairs and renovations while remaining the center of Catholic life for the community. Major restoration efforts occurred in 1899, 1972, and again in 1999. Unfortunately, years of structural challenges culminated in the collapse of the church's west wall in 2008, placing the historic adobe church at risk of demolition.

What followed became one of the most remarkable preservation efforts in northern New Mexico. Parishioners, volunteers, craftspeople, and supporters united to save the historic church. Over several years, tens of thousands of volunteer hours were dedicated to rebuilding and restoring the structure using traditional materials and methods. Trees were harvested locally for vigas, adobe walls were rebuilt, stained glass windows were crafted, and countless donations made the project possible. The restored church was solemnly re-consecrated on August 14, 2016.

Today, St. Anthony Church stands as both a house of worship and a testament to the faith, perseverance, and devotion of the people of Questa.

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Mission, Cerro

The mission church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe serves the historic community of Cerro. Named in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, the mission reflects the deep Marian devotion that has long characterized Catholic life throughout northern New Mexico. The church remains a gathering place for worship, prayer, and the celebration of the sacraments for the families of Cerro.

Like many northern New Mexico mission churches, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe has served generations of families whose faith has been sustained through local traditions, feast day celebrations, and a strong sense of community rooted in Catholic belief.

Sagrado Corazón Mission, Costilla

Located in New Mexico's oldest permanent settlement, Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart) Mission Church serves the faithful of Costilla. The mission is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion emphasizing Christ's love, mercy, and compassion.

The Catholic faith has been central to Costilla's identity since the earliest settlement of the community. Through baptisms, weddings, funerals, feast days, and weekly Masses, the mission church continues to play an important role in preserving the spiritual heritage of Costilla and strengthening the bonds of parish life.

Santo Niño Mission, Amalia

The church of Santo Niño serves the mountain community of Amalia. Dedicated to the Holy Child Jesus, the mission reflects the profound devotion to Christ's Incarnation that is found throughout Hispanic Catholic spirituality.

Nestled among the mountains and valleys of northern New Mexico, Santo Niño Mission has long provided a place where families can gather to celebrate the sacraments and pass on the Catholic faith from one generation to the next. The church remains an important spiritual center for the residents of Amalia and surrounding communities.

St. Edwin Mission, Red River

The newest of the parish's mission churches, St. Edwin Mission serves the community of Red River. Situated in a region known for its natural beauty and hospitality, the mission welcomes both local residents and visitors who come to the area throughout the year.

The church provides a place for prayer, worship, and spiritual renewal amid the mountains of northern New Mexico. Through the celebration of Mass and the sacraments, St. Edwin Mission extends the ministry of St. Anthony Parish to those who live in and visit Red River.

Today, St. Anthony Parish continues the mission entrusted to the Church by Christ: proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, and serving God's people. United across five communities, parishioners carry forward a legacy of faith built by generations who sacrificed, prayed, and labored to preserve these sacred places for future generations.

"With gratitude for our past and hope for our future, we continue to build upon the faith handed down to us by those who came before us."