Death Comes for the Archbishop · Chapter
II: Hidden Water explained
Bishop Latour, lost in the desert, is led to the remote Mexican settlement of Agua Secreta (Hidden Water).
What happens
Bishop Latour, lost in the desert, is led to the remote Mexican settlement of Agua Secreta (Hidden Water). He stays with Benito's family, celebrates Mass, performs baptisms and marriages, and reflects on the simplicity and faith of the people. He also contemplates the beauty of the handmade saints, the history of the land, and the challenges posed by Padre Martínez in Taos.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Doubt
Latour's faith is tested and affirmed through the miracle of finding Hidden Water, and he observes the deep, simple faith of the Mexican villagers.
Landscape and Place
The desert, the hidden spring, and the settlement are vividly described, emphasizing the contrast between arid wilderness and life-giving water.
Cultural Clash and Harmony
Latour, a Frenchman, finds common ground with the Mexican villagers despite cultural differences, while tensions with American rule and Padre Martínez loom.
Characters to notice
- Bishop Jean Marie Latour
The young Bishop is the central figure, lost in the desert and guided to Hidden Water, where he performs sacraments and reflects on faith and the landscape.
- Father Joseph Vaillant
Mentioned in Latour's thoughts as the friend who would see a miracle in their rescue, contrasting with Latour's more natural view.
- Padre Antonio José Martínez
Referenced as the powerful old native priest in Taos who leads a revolt against Latour's authority, described as terrifying with a violent face.
- Benito
The elderly host and grandfather of the settlement, who tells Latour about the history of the village and the handmade saints.
- Josepha
Benito's daughter and housekeeper, who runs to meet the Bishop and later prepares the christening feast.
- Santiago
The saint depicted as a fierce equestrian figure in the household, identified as the name saint of Benito's grandson and the saint of horses.
Key passages
“He had expected to make a dry camp in the wilderness, and to sleep under a juniper tree, like the Prophet, tormented by thirst. But here he lay in comfort and safety, with love for his fellow creatures flowing like peace about his heart.”
Latour had anticipated a harsh night in the desert, but instead found himself in a safe, comfortable home, filled with a sense of peace and affection for the people around him.
Highlights the contrast between Latour's expectations and the reality of his welcome at Hidden Water.
“This settlement was his Bishopric in miniature; hundreds of square miles of thirsty desert, then a spring, a village, old men trying to remember their catechism to teach their grandchildren.”
The village of Hidden Water symbolized the entire diocese: vast desert punctuated by rare oases of faith and community.
Reflects Latour's understanding of his mission in the Southwest.
“He was rather terrifying, that old priest, with his big head, violent Spanish face, and shoulders like a buffalo; but the day of his tyranny was almost over.”
Padre Martínez was a fearsome figure, but Latour believed his oppressive influence was waning.
Introduces the conflict with Padre Martínez and Latour's hope for change.