The cross found by Gene Lovato of Clovis could have been made as early as 1690 and as late as maybe 1740.

Gene Lovato shares the story of finding the crucifix in a barn in Clovis, with visitors Monday afternoon in Tucumcari. Carmen Garcia of Tucumcari admires the cross and has a moment of prayer.

A Clovis couple stopped in Tucumcari as they travel across New Mexico on a mission to share a gift of faith.

Gene and Inez Lovato visited the residence of Jimmy and Gloria Rivera with some precious cargo.

In the back of a enclosed travel trailer laid a six-foot crucifix atop of two feet of foam padding.

“It looks so real, It has given me chills,” said Carmen Garcia of Tucumcari. “The detail is so amazing, this is not something you see every day.”

The sight drew in 150 visitors to the residence at 1009 East Turner Street in just a few hours.

“This is so beautiful,” said Monica Villanueva of Tucumcari. “Being able to see something like this has reaffirmed my faith.”

The Lovatos had the crucifix restored by Victor Golar of Toas and since then have been traveling to different churches to share the cross with the parishioners.

On Saturday Lovato took the crucifix to the Sacred Heart Church in Watros, north of Las Vegas.

“It is the church I grew up in,” Lovato said. “I was an altar boy there. Taking the cross to that church meant a lot to me.”

Gene Lovato said it is their goal to share this crucifix with all the faithful, not just Catholics.

“We want everyone to see it,” Lovato said. “It is something that can be appreciated by all religions.”

Lovato, found the decaying life-sized statue of Jesus Christ nailed to a cross while looking at property in north Clovis in March.

According to University of New Mexico adjunct professor Charlie Carrillo, the crucifix is made from cornstalk called pasta de caña, which is a material that has not been used in 150 years.

Carillo said the cross could have been made as early as 1690 and as late as maybe 1740.

There will be a mass held Aug. 30-31 at St. Anne’s Church, in Tucumcari and the cross will be on display to the public.

“We want everyone to come out and see the cross,” Lovato said. “It is something that should be shared with all.”

Gabriel Monte contributed to this report.