Death Comes for the Archbishop · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather.

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Chapter 1
Epigraph
The chapter opens with the Latin phrase 'Auspice Maria!' inscribed on Father Vaillant's signet-ring, invoking the protection of the Virgin Mary.
Chapter 2
Death Comes for the Archbishop
The final chapter depicts the death of Archbishop Jean Marie Latour in his old age, reflecting on his life, his legacy, and the changes that have come to the Southwest. He passes away peacefully, surrounded by memories and the landscape he loved.
Chapter 3
Prologue
In Rome, 1848, Cardinal María de Allande hosts a dinner with Bishop Ferrand and a Venetian Cardinal. Bishop Ferrand passionately argues for the appointment of a young, intelligent French priest, Jean Marie Latour, as the new Vicar Apostolic of New Mexico, describing the territory's vastness, the decay of its missions, and the need for reform. The Cardinal shares a story about a Franciscan missionary who took a valuable El Greco painting from his family, and the conversation touches on art, politics, and the qualities of French missionaries.
Chapter 4
Book I: The Vicar Apostolic
Father Latour, newly arrived in Santa Fe as Vicar Apostolic, finds his authority rejected by the Mexican priests who claim jurisdiction under the Bishop of Durango. He sets off alone on a 3,000-mile journey to Durango to retrieve his credentials, but becomes lost in the sand-hills. He is miraculously led to the hidden settlement of Agua Secreta, where he is welcomed by Benito and his family. He performs Mass, baptisms, marriages, and confirmations, and reflects on the faith and simplicity of the people.
Chapter 5
I: The Cruciform Tree
In autumn 1851, Bishop Jean Marie Latour, lost and dehydrated in the red sand-hills of central New Mexico, prays beneath a juniper tree shaped like a cross. He recalls his arduous journey from Auvergne to Santa Fe, only to be rejected by the Mexican priests who refuse to recognize his authority. Forced to ride alone to Durango to retrieve his credentials, he loses his way. After his prayer, his horses sense water and lead him to a verdant stream, where a young girl greets him and summons her father.

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Epigraph

Death Comes for the Archbishop

Prologue

Book I: The Vicar Apostolic

I: The Cruciform Tree