Fraternity of our Lord Jesus) is a brotherhood of Hispanic, Catholic laymen. This society has been
traced by some scholars to thirteenth century Europe and other researchers have associated the
Hermanos (Brothers) with the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi. The Penitentes are said to have
made their way from Mexico into New Mexico in the late sixteenth century and settled in southern
Colorado in the 1800's. The buildings used for worship and meetings (moradas) by the Hermanos can
still be found in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Although their membership is waning,
the Fraternity is still active in religious affairs and assisting their members in time of spiritual and
economic need. Ruben Archuleta has documented the Penitente's activities, rituals, and photos in his
book: Land of the Penitentes Land of Tradition. The book may be ordered by clicking on the order form
page or clicking on the book icon in the home page.
Colorado and northern New Mexico. Jose Pablo Archuleta on the left, was born in
1838 and his son, Francisco Antonio Archuleta, was born in 1883.
(Brothers) during Holy week at the Moradas (place of
worship)
Territory of New Mexico
during Good Friday at the Morada de San Antonio, Colorado
life-size statue of Jesus as they sing their alabodos (Penitente hymns) and recite their prayers on their way
to El Calvario (Calvary) to meet with the Veronicas who have left the church carrying the statue of Mary.
participants as they sing their hymns and join in prayer. They will meet with the Hermanos at El
Calavario, pray together and then work their way back to the morada to conclude their services.
donated to the San Antonio Morada by Ruben Archuleta. Hermano
Mayor (Elder Brother), Charlie Martinez, is holding the crucifix.
