Walk to aid Santo Niño

By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

ZUNI — A statue nearly 400 years old considered sacred by the Zuni people and Catholics has been at the same home in Zuni for 300 years. Now the home for the Santo Niño de Zuni is in need of repairs, and one woman will fulfill a promise she made to the Santo Niño by holding a fundraising walk from Gallup to Zuni.

Roberta A. Lateyice has made a pilgrimage every year for the past five years to the home of the Santo Niño, but this year she decided to make it a fund raiser to raise money to help Missy Yatsattie, the caretaker for the Santo Niño, pay for utilities, repairs and a new roof.

On Saturday, Lateyice will start the trek at the Continental Divide Electric Co-op Office on the south side of Gallup at approximately 6 a.m., and accept donations as she walks to Zuni.

“It’s up to the people, whatever they can donate,” Lateyice said. “Every little bit helps.”

In return, Lateyice will give donators prayer cards in appreciation.

Yatsattie estimates that a new roof would cost about $5,000.

“It’s breaking down and it’s starting to show its age,” she said. “The roof is leaking in several places through the whole house. “

Lateyice noted that many people believe that Yatsattie receives funding to care for the Santo Niño, but “the truth is, the family does not get any financial help from any organization and they must rely on the kindness of visitors who come to visit the saint.”

It was during such a visit that Lateyice made her promise.

“I always go for my blessing,” she said. “I made a promise to Santo Niño last year in October that I wanted to do this walk.”

She added, “It really helps me out for a lot of things I’ve asked. It takes care of me.”

Lateyice said that the walk will not be a problem for her. She exercises and goes for walks regularly.

“I enjoy it,” she said.

Her 18-year-old son will join her in the walk and anyone is welcome to join them, she said.