Brothers of light: The Penitentes of the Southwest

by Alice Corbin Henderson

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.

126 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Trinity Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As early as 1598 Don Juan de Onate and his men performed public penance during Holy Week, under the spiritual guidance of Franciscan friars.

[Elizabeth McIlhaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reprint of the 1937 original, an amazing little book on the subject, with an enlightening forward by Thomas J. Steele, S.J., Ph.D, and wonderful illustrations by William Penhallow Henderson.
ISBN: 1-881325-23-7, LC# 98-060376
I read a copy from my local library that I was allowed to check out, for some on this subject cannot be.
I took to heart the warning in the forward about the bigotry exhibited in other early books on the subject, as I am beginning to read some of those too now.
And as Steele said, this book does not contain narrow preconceived attitudes, which is why it is remains such a wonderful classic on the subject.

[Stace ginsburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting perspective on los hermanos: brothers of light, the religious and spiritual history of the penitentes of northern new mexico & southern colorado