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Saving A Cultural Icon In Grant County

May 31, 2013 – Las Cruces, NM - On this edition of PUENTES, Emily Guerra bridges the community with New Mexico State University and Western New Mexico University Educator and Writer, Dr. Luis “Nacho” Quinones. He grew up in Bayard near Santa Rita, and says the existence of the Kneeling Nun remains in jeopardy as the copper mine in Santa Rita expands.

The preservation of a symbolic rock formation known as the Kneeling Nun continues. For several years residents of Grant County have tried to preserve a monolith in the shape of a person kneeling in prayer, and viewed by the community as a historic and religious landmark.

Quinones says the mining near the adored rock formation, with its constant blasting and excavation, has been destroying Grant County’s cultural and religious symbol for years, as well as cause environmental destruction in the area.