Fraternity of Our Father Jesus Nazerite) is a brotherhood of Hispanic, Catholic laymen. They have
existed primarily in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico for many generations. Some
scholars believe that the brotherhood can be traced to thirteenth century Europe however the more
acceptable belief is that they are an offshoot from the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi.
Unfortunately early documentation about the Hermandad (Brotherhood) by outsiders has been
derogatory and concentrates on their rituals rather than the economic and spiritual support that they
provided for their members, their church and their community. Ruben Archuleta hopes to paint a
positive image of the Hermandad through his presentations, books and exhibits. The exhibit allows
the public to view the Penitente artifacts, handwritten prayer books called cuadernos, alabados
(hymns), original journals, and other religious items rarely seen by outsiders. Archuleta recognizes
that the exhibit does not accurately portray the humble, charitable lives led by the Hermanos since the
artifacts on display cannot tell the whole story. For a more accurate account of the Hermandad click
on Land of the Penitentes Land of Tradition
This Penitente exhibit was made possible through the generosity of the Penitente Hermanos
(Brothers), Archuleta family members, relatives and friends. The goal of the exhibit is to preserve
the Penitente heritage, their rituals, their prayers and hymns, and their artifacts. Many of the
Hermanos meeting places, called moradas, are deteriorating as their roofs leak and slowly crumble the
adobe walls. Sadly, some moradas have been looted for their valuable artifacts such as their santos
(wooden religious statues), their ritual instruments, and other religious items. Several of the
moradas have been vandalized and even set afire. Penitente items are being sold to buyers who are
in the business of making a profit from these artifacts which are sacred to the Hermanos.
Most of the items in this exhibit belong to the Archuleta family however several artifacts have been
donated or loaned to the exhibit by families who are proud of their ancestor's membership in the
Hermandad. Items donated to the exhibit are not sold. In case of duplicates, a donated piece may be
traded for another Penitente item that will enhance the exhibit. Items on loan will be returned to the
person(s) who loaned the item(s) or their authorized representative upon written request. Donations
or long term loans of Penitnete artifacts may be made by contacting Ruben E. Archuleta at:
rearch145@aol.com
September, 2006-2007: Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center, 201 W. "B" Street, Pueblo,
CO, 81005, Telephone number: (719) 295-1517
April, 2007: Chicano Humanities and Arts Council, 722 Santa Fe Drive,
Denver, CO 80204, Telephone number: (303) 571-0440
May-July, 2007: Albuquerque Public Library, Special Collections Branch, 423 Central Ave.
NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, Telephone number: (505) 848-1376 Sponsored by the New
Mexico Genealogical Society
August-September: Francisco Fort Museum, 306 N. Main, La Veta, CO, Telephone number:
(719) 742-5501
September-? (tentative) Ft. Lewis College, Durango, CO
The exhibit is available to other galleries and museums during 2008. If you wish to schedule
a Penitente exhibit or presentation in your area, or for additional please contact Ruben E.
Archuleta at (719) 566- 2950 or e-mail: rearch145@aol.com
Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center in Pueblo, Colorado. The rest of the collection is kept in
a morada that has been replicated at the San Luis Museum and Cultural Center in San Luis,
Colorado. Many of the artifacts came from San Antonio, Colorado; Los Lobatos, Colorado and
Los Pinos, New Mexico area moradas.
during their Holy Week ritual. Other items pictured are a death
cart, original journals, disciplinas (whips) and photos of
Hermanos from southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.
Calvary and was donated by the Hermanos
from the San Antonio, Colorado Morada.
tin can candle holders, matracas (wooden noisemakers) and
newspaper and magazine articles on the Penitentes from the
late 1800's to the early 1900's.
Colorado area moradas. Courtesy of
Ralph Gallegos, Trinidad, Colorado
matraca (wooden noisemaker), and early 1900's
newspaper and magazine articles, some of which painted
a very derogatory picture of the Hermandad (Brotherhood)
belonged to Jose Pablo Archuleta (b. 1838)
and his son, Francisco Antonio (b. 1883). One
of the journals has an embossed seal from the
Territory of New Mexico
Holy Water font, photos of Hermanos and the cover of Archuleta's
latest work in progress; his fourth book which was originally titled
Penitente Sunset-A Fading Society. The title of the book was
changed to Penitente Renaissance, Manifesting Hope.
cross that belonged to Hermano
Margarito Gallegos, from the
Trinidad, Colorado area. Courtesy of
Ralph Gallegos, Trinidad, Colorado