Back in December, I asked you all to give me some book recommendations of lesser-known Classics.
You all did not disappoint and I wrote down all the ones that were new to me. It is my reading list for the year.
First up, was “Death Comes for the Archbishop” by Willa Cather, who was born in Winchester, Virginia in 1873. However, she spent most of her life in Nebraska.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact, it is one I will probably want my own copy of one of these days.
If you are looking for a thrilling tale full of crescendos to the climax, this is not your book. It is not dramatic and intense, but rather thoughtful and contemplative.
In 1851, a French priest, Father Latour, is made bishop of the wild and vast area of the diocese of Santa Fe and brings with him his side-kick, Fr. Vaillant. The two men had been missionaries together in Ohio, but the southwest is quite a switch with its wildly different culture, landscape, and climate.
Together, these two priests learn to navigate life in an area that blended together Mexicans, Indians, and a few Americans. Bishop Latour, also, has to figure out how to deal with priests that have abused the office of the priesthood, mostly because they were without an authoritative presence for so long.
I think you come to see the immense burdens of being a missionary through this story, but also the rewards that come with it.
I felt the story telling was excellent. It will definitely give you an appreciation for our modern day travel, as the priests spent large quantities of time traveling by mules from place-to-place.
My favorite line comes from a Navajo friend of the Bishop when he is visiting him on his deathbed. He says, “Men travel faster now, but I do not know if they go to better things.”
That little sentence right there says a ton and gives a lot to think on.
It’s a simple, easy read, Catholic Pilgrims. It’s also just a good story and we need to read more good stories.
Have a blessed Tuesday.
