Penitentes of the Southwest

Introduction The Penitente Brotherhood is a lay religious organization related to the Roman Catholic Church in the southwestern United States, primarily northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Penitentes, commonly known as Los Hermanos Penitentes (The Penitent Brothers) or simply Los Hermanos (The Brothers), are almost exclusively men of Hispanic descent and Catholic faith. In time, localized associations of these men - originally organized for pious observances involving the expiation of sin through prayer and bodily penance, and for mutual aid - acquired judical and political influence.Weigle, Marta is the author of 'Penitentes of the Southwest' with ISBN 9780941270007 and ISBN 0941270009.