Our Lady of Sorrows Church

Our Lady of Sorrows Church is a religious building in Bernalillo constructed from stuccoed adobe brick in a cross-shaped layout. The structure displays the building methods common to the region during its era and stands as an example of early religious architecture in the area.

Construction of this religious building began in 1857 and it served as the primary place of worship for the community. In 1971, a modern brick building replaced it as the active house of worship, though the original structure has been preserved.

The building reflects Territorial Style design, a regional approach that blends Spanish colonial tradition with local building practices of 19th-century New Mexico. Visitors can see this blend in the simple exterior lines and the way the structure sits in its landscape.

The building is located along major routes through the region, making it easy to find and reach. Visitors should be aware that this is a historic structure and access may be limited, so checking ahead is recommended.

The building was designed by Fr. Joseph Failon, a French priest who also worked as an architect and designed several churches in the region. His work shaped the local building style and made him an important figure in church architecture across the area.