About this Book

The Penitente Brotherhood reenact the Passion of Christ through self-mortification of the flesh and emulation of His crucifixion each year in New Mexico during the Catholic Lenten season. They do this m remembrance that Christ was condemned, crucified, and then died on the cross for the expiation of the sins of mankind. This vital sect of ancient Spanish Catholicism has been shrouded m controversy and secrecy until this author's balanced exploration of its origins, rituals, and ceremonies. De Aragon includes descriptions of their art and their albados, or hymns, which are published here in both Spanish and English.