Phyllis Eileen Banks is both writer and artist.Her articles have appeared in Southern New Mexico Magazine, FYI, Vision Magazine, Roswell Daily Record, New Mexico Magazine, Ranger Rick, Concern, Anchorage Daily News, and other periodicals. In addition, with Cynthia Smith she authored The Anchorage Fun Book.
Much of her experience has been as an editor.Her editorial experience includes The Alaska Presbyterian, The Alaska Heart, newsletter of the Alaska Heart Association, the book COCAHINIA (Consultation on Church and Human Need in Alaska), and Roaming Southern New Mexico.
"I have invisible antennae that 'vibrate' when something doesn't seem right.Of course editing someone else's work is easier than editing one's own," she says.
People stories, historical pieces, and travel writing are her favorites.She and her husband, Hal, moved to New Mexico from Alaska.
"New Mexico has some of the same mystic of Alaska – wide open spaces, different cultures.The transition was easy," says Eileen."It is truly The Land of Enchantment and no matter where you reside you carry it with you."
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My husband and I were driving NM Highway 9 from El Paso to Rodeo early in March. When we came to Hachita, 45 miles west of Columbus, Hal, who is an incorrigible "wonder where that road goes," drove through the small village. In so doing, we discovered a most unique church, Saint Catherine of Sienna. It was locked, so we drove on and stopped at The Egg Nest for lunch. When we talked to the proprietor we asked about the church. He said, "If you want to see it, I have the key," then pointed out the copy of its history. Totally intrigued now, we borrowed the key and drove the few blocks back to the church.
Its history is a testament to one man's promise to his mother on her death bed that he would build a church dedicated to her memory and her Saint, Catherine of Sienna. The history does not indicate whether or not he purchased the building and land, although that is the assumption since he was a successful business man. He considered the church to be his most important achievement.
Daniel Suozzi spent many years renovating the building with the help of many Hachita residents. He made many journeys to Buffalo, New York, his home town, in search of treasures for his church. Older churches and cathedrals were being demolished there, so he was always able to add many items to his collection.
He built a forty-five foot bell tower, then installed two 800 pound solid bronze bells that were cast in 1902. The beautiful stations of the cross were crafted in Germany in 1830, are made of hand cast plaster and hand painted, each weighing about 150 pounds. Wrought iron lamps hang from the ceiling, and the confessional and altars are of beautiful quality.
Bishop Ramirez dedicated the church in December 1982, and its first mass was celebrated.
After the first mass, a gathering was held at Mr. Suozzi's ranch. There is no resident priest now, but community gatherings are held at the church periodically.
Daniel Suozzi will be well-remembered as a man who honored his church, his mother, and the community that adopted him. Saint Catherine of Sienna Church is a fulfillment of his promise.