1. Mark Sideris and the restoration of St. Anthony’s Church in Questa

In this episode from October 11, 2025 we hear about chicken bones, miraculous appearances in wooden beam, a community’s incredible dedication and more!

Join Mark Sideris, adobe construction expert and Questa resident in conversation with our host, Michael Rael.

Listen in to stories that are expressions of remembrance, faith, gratitude and humor, as Mark Sideris reflects on how he became the leader in reconstructing St. Anthony’s Church in Questa and his experience with the all-volunteer crew. Mark also shares discoveries about the original construction of the church.

Did you know that the adobe bricks used in the construction of the church in the 1840’s-1850’s were made by families from different areas in the community? These bricks were many different sizes and colors and some were embedded with initials, names and even footprints.

In this episode we hear about chicken bones, miraculous appearances in wooden beam, a community’s incredible dedication and more!

LINKS

Questa Stories

Historic Church Info

Article About Wooden Knot Appearance

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Voces de Nuestro País

Voices of Our Area

Stories of family, history, love, adventures, misadventures as told by the people of our area.

Come enjoy stories of family, history, love, adventures, and misadventures as told by the people of our area. On the second Saturday of each month, 2-4 featured guests will be invited to share their stories at Questa Library.

Michael Rael

Michael Rael hosts and curates this monthly gathering in collaboration with Voices of the Northern Rio Grande and Questa Library. Stories from these gatherings will become part of the digital community archive and be available to listen to via the library and online at QuestaStories.org.

The Voces de Nuestro País story-sharing events are now also being shared as a monthly podcast! Find the “Voces de Nuestro País” podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon music.

  • Amalia
  • Arroyo Hondo
  • Arroyo Seco
  • Cenia
  • Costilla
  • El Rito
  • La Lama
  • Questa
  • Red River
  • San Cristobal
  • Sunshine Valley

Questa Public Library
in partnership with
QuestaStories.org

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