Death Comes for the Archbishop · Chapter
Book IX: Death Comes for the Archbishop explained
In his final years, Archbishop Latour retires to his country estate near Santa Fe, where he tends his garden and trains new French missionary priests.
What happens
In his final years, Archbishop Latour retires to his country estate near Santa Fe, where he tends his garden and trains new French missionary priests. He falls ill after a rainstorm in January 1889, and expresses his wish to die in Santa Fe. As his health declines, he reflects on his past, including the Navajo exile and return. On his last day, the Cathedral is filled with people praying for him, and he receives the Viaticum.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Legacy
Latour's peaceful acceptance of death, his reflections on his life's work, and the legacy he leaves behind in the garden and the training of new priests.
Landscape and Place
The vivid descriptions of Latour's country estate, the Tesuque hills, and the Canyon de Chelly as an 'Indian Garden of Eden'.
Friendship and Loyalty
The deep bonds between Latour and Bernard Ducrot, and the loyalty of his old servants and the Native American community.
Cultural Clash and Harmony
The conflict between the Navajo and the U.S. government, and Latour's role as a mediator who respects Navajo traditions.
Characters to notice
- Bishop Jean Marie Latour
The aging Archbishop, now retired, reflects on his life and prepares for death.
- Bernard Ducrot
A young seminarian who becomes like a son to Latour, assisting him in his final years.
- Mother Philomène
Mentioned as having kept Latour's letters; she died at a great age in Riom.
- Eusabio
The Navajo leader who sits in the Archbishop's courtyard on Latour's last day.
- Manuelito
Recalled in Latour's memories of the Navajo exile and his refusal to cross the Rio Grande.
- Magdalena Valdez
Prepares Latour's study for his return to Santa Fe and attends to him during his illness.
- Fructosa
Latour's old cook who puts him to bed and gives him brandy when he falls ill.
- Tranquilino
One of Latour's old servants, present with the supplicants in the Cathedral.
Key passages
“I shall not die of a cold, my son. I shall die of having lived.”
My death is not from this illness but from the fullness of a long life.
Latour's philosophical acceptance of his mortality.
“God has been very good to let me live to see a happy issue to those old wrongs. I do not believe, as I once did, that the Indian will perish. I believe that God will preserve him.”
Latour is grateful to witness the resolution of past injustices and now has faith in the survival of Native peoples.
Latour's reflection on the Navajo exile and return, showing his evolved perspective.
“Je voudrais mourir à Santa Fe.”
I wish to die in Santa Fe.
Latour's desire to end his days in the city he helped build.
