The Penitentes of San Luis, New Mexico, or commonly known as Los Hermanos/Hermanas (The Brothers, Sisters), is a lay religious organization related to the Roman Catholic Church that primarily originated in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Their existence dates back as far as the Reconquest of DeVargas in 1692 and the Reformation of the 1800’s. The Cofradia de Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno gather in prayer for atonement of their sins or bad behavior, to demonstrate the devotion to Christ by imitation, mastering human passions through self-discipline and included bodily penance. They follow the life of simplicity, humility, peacefulness, and piety, within the secular world.
San Luis was an isolated rural community where the Hermanos also kept a lawful community by uniting and leading them in all matters, including their faith in times when priests were not available. Ceremonials for the dying, prayers for men in the military and against wars and disease were performed by them. They follow their purpose and obligations as designated by el Hermano Mayor (elder Brother) in charge with rituals of the past. The Hermanos/Hermanas are held in high esteem and respected.
The Brotherhood only allowed men in their inner circle and women were always behind the scenes praying and bringing them meals when not fasting. However, as the elderly men passed away and the Brotherhood got smaller, women are now allowed to practice right along with the Hermanos, thus the title of Hermana.
Lent and Holy Week leading up to la Pascua (Easter Sunday) & the Lord’s resurrection is one of the most rejoicing times for the faithful. Good Friday is a time spent praying, singing and fasting. Every year for Good Friday they lead the faithful honoring La Procesion de Sange de Cristo (The Procession of the Blood of Christ), reciting the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) and singing their alabados (hymns). On Good Friday after prayer in la morada, a meal is served. Sabado de Gloria (Saturday of Glory) is celebrated the morning after Good Friday and a priest from surrounding missions or parishes gives mass. Families from generation to generation continue to come back to San Luis to practice and preserve the language, lore, customs, and faith. My mother (Gregorita Dominguez) and aunts were Hermanas and now my older sister took her place when my mother passed away in 2011.
Morada de Nuestro Padre Jesus de Nazareno 
Cristo (Christ) – Max Dominguez
Simon – Santiago Dominguez
Blessed Mother – Raelynn Rodarte
Veronica – Tierra Mendez
Evangline Chavez – photo credits
