Brothers of Light: The Penitentes of the Southwest

This 1937 classic features the woodcut illustrations of William Penhallow Henderson. Henderson describes the Penitent Brotherhood in New Mexico as it existed in theearlier part of this century. The Penitentes were an outgrowth and survivor of the Third Order of St. Francis. This edition also contains an index and an expanded bibliography. Father Steele's foreword brings the reader into a better understanding of who the Penitentes were and why Henderson's work is a vital part of the literature about early 20th century New mexico. Father Thomas Steele is a recognized scholar of the Catholic Church in Spanish, Colonial, Mexican, and Territorial New Mexico. In addition to her sensitive descriptions of the Holy Week ceremonies of the Hermaps de Luz, Henderson included several Penitente alabados (hymns) in both Spanish and English. Fourteen full-page, plus several smaller, woodcuts by William Penhallow Henderson add to the beauty of the book. Father Steele's foreword brings the reader into better understanding of who the Penitentes were and why Henderson's work is a vital part of the literature from early 20th century New Mexico.