Mista

Bishop Jeane Marie Latour and Padre Antonio Jose Martinez are presented in the novel as physical and emotional polar opposites. The most notable difference between Bishop Latour and Padre Martinez is in their physical appearance. Latour is described as young priest, "his brow was open, generous, reflective, his features handsome and somewhat severeÐ'...everything showed him to be a man of gentle birth (19)." Martinez, on the other hand, is described as having "a high, narrow foreheadÐ'...and full florid cheeks,Ð'--not blank areas of smooth fleshÐ'...but full of muscular activity, as quick to change with feeling as any of his features (140)." These descriptions distinguish both priests as distinctly different men. Latour is clearly a representation of innocence and purity, something that was lacking in the priests of this Mexican terrain during this period. This Mexican terrain was in dire need of a man such as bishop Latour since within it: "old mission Churches are in ruinsÐ'....the few priests [there] are without guidance or disciplineÐ'...they [the people] are lax in religious observance (6)." Martinez embodies this misguided religious community and the clergymen who corrupted it through self interest and lust. Despite their physical differences, Latour and Martinez also differ in how they express themselves. Latour is portrayed as an introvert and very conservative, saying only what is necessary. This is evident when he listens to Jacinto refer to the traditions and beliefs embedded within the native religion, Latour "seldom questioned Jacinto about his thoughts or beliefs (92)."

[This is evident throughout Latour's conversations with Jacinto about religion; he "seldom questions Jacinto about his thoughts or beliefs (92)," rather he just politely contributes his own perspectives.] Bishop Latour, as in this example, keeps to himself for most of the novel and remains an observer. Also Latour's concern with spiritual matters is also an introversive quality. Padre Martinez, on the contrary, is a very extroversive person whose external expression

Although Bishop Latour and Padre Martinez share a steadfast belief in God, they differ significantly in their views and interpretation of Church doctrine. In the novel, Latour is presented as a hard working, devout priest who willingly abides by Church Law. Padre Martinez, on the other hand, is portrayed as an unorthodox priest who holds a loose interpretation of Church doctrine. These differences are illustrated in a debate both priests have regarding the vow of celibacy; Padre Martinez believes that it should not be followed while Bishop Latour stands firm on the Catholic belief that celibacy be practiced by the clergy. In their conversation Padre Martinez disregards the necessity of the vow of celibacy by stating that, "celibate priests lose their perceptions, (146)" and that defying the vow is necessary for a priest "to experience forgiveness of sin and rise to a state of grace, (146)." This argument is a clear example of how unconventional and revolutionary Padre Martinez is. Similarly, Bishop Latour's response to Martinez's