Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 7 April 1939 — Page 11

10S PENITENTES RE-ENACT AGONY OF CRUCIFIXION

Short, Sharp Whips Are Made Ready for ‘March To Calvary.

TAOS, N. M, April 7 (U. P)— Los Hermanos Penitentes prepared secretly today to re-enact with barbaric cruelty civilization's saddest story—the crucifixion of Christ. Virtually every hut and adobe in the remote mountain areas of southern Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Utah was dark—the Spanish-American families praying and working behind blinded windows. The “Penitent Brothers”—most secret religious fraternity in America, whose ritual is guarded by the threat of being buried alive—last night fashioned short, sharp whips made of the yucca plant. The razor-edged fibers were studded

with glass and bits of stone to make | we

their lashes even more cruel. Order 350 Years Olid

The whips will be used tonight as intruments through which the Penitentes will seek to emulate the suffering of Christ on Calvary. How many “passion plays” will be performed in the barren mountain region is known. Numerous chapters of the fraternity are scattered throughout the area but the invasion of civilization, publicity and law has made these rituals almost impossible to locate. The order is more than 350 years old. It was brought to this country by the Spanish conquerors. Membership generally is through succession, father to son.

Climaxes Year's Activities

The Good Friday passion play is the climax of the year-around activities of the brotherhood. A member is chosen to play the role of “El Cristo,” the highest honor that can be awarded in the fraternity. After preliminary ceremonies in their windowless chapels, called “Moradas,” the procession to the local hill, “Calvario,” begins. “El Cristo” is burdened with a huge cross. He is barefooted and sometimes walks several miles with the sharp stones cutting his feet, leaving a trail of blood. A crown of thorns is on his head. Railing him are the members of the fraternity, their backs bare, clothed only in cotton breeches. In measured cadence, these men lash themselves with their short whips, throwing the barbed lashes first over one shoulder and then the other—trying to feel the pain that the agonized Christus feit at his crucifixion nearly 2000 years ago.

Tied to Cross With Thongs The procession reaches “Calvario.” the cross is raised and “El Cristo” tied to it with thongs. At one time he was actually nailed and his side pierced. Now, however, he is only tied there until the chief of the

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This block picture is made of sugar, bitter chocolate and chocolate butter. It is entitled “The Spirit of Easter” and is being displayed in

the Illinois St. window of the Claypool Hotel

by Charles Wagner, hotel chef.

FIRST OF NEW BEER PERMITS GRANTED

The first beer wholesalers permit under the new 1939 liquor law amendments was granted today by the Alcoholic Beverages Commission. It was issued to Mike Mascari of Kokomo. Under the new amendments, the limit on the number of wholesalers was removed leaving

The scene was made

competition open to anyone who can show an investment of at least $7500. Twenty-two other applications for wholesalers permits are pending before the Commission. Meanwhile, an appeal of the first dealer, whose application was denied by the Commission several weeks ago, is pending in the five Marion County Superior Courts.

BLAMES BOYS IN $50 THEFT Grace Wonning, 36, of Greenwood, operator of an antique shop at 150 E. 16th St, told police that two boys inquired about gifts for their parents, left her shop with her pocketbook containing $50 and jewelry.

A New High in Savings

chapter reinvokes the seal of the

order on each member. This is done] by cutting into each man’s back the sign of the cross. | After this, “El Cristo” is lowered | and an effigy, made of old clothing, stuffed with straw, is put in his place. The penitent brothers then return to their homes to recover.

HOG TURNS TABLES AND SHOOTS BUTCHER

NORTH POWDER, Ore. April 7 (U. P).—The man-bites-dog school of journalism got a new twist today: A hog shot a man. George Looslie was about to slaughter a plump porker for a meat market. The hog squealed, lunged and struck Mr. Looslie’s gun

discharging a 22-cabiler bullet into the butcher's big toe.

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BAISH JOURNALISTS

FEAR GAG POSSIBILITY

BRISTOL, England, April 7 (U. P.).—The Central London Branch of the National Union of Journalists announced today it would propose a resolution expressing grave concern regarding the danger of interference with freedom of the press in England. : The resolution, in connection with the Government's efforts to suppress d statement by Earl Stanhope, First Lord of the Admiralty, regarding naval precautions, said: “This annual meeting views with concern action of the Prime Minister in attempting to secure suppression of a speech by a Cabinet Minister who had full knowledge that representatives of the press were present. It considers the action of the Prime Minister, if not challenged by public opinion, would establish a principle which constitutes a grave inroad on freedom of the press.”

Vegas Saloons C ose For Good Friday Rites

LAS VEGAS, Nev, April 7 (U.

saloon keeper in this wide-open town found technical difficulties today in carrying out his own promise to “close doors” for three hours in the first city-wide observance of Good Friday. There were no doors on their establishments. They solved the problem this morning by stringing ropes across entrances of the saloons and gambling halls, which for decades had never

closed and therefore had never needed doors. Some proprietors found they actually had doors but couldn't close or lock them. Only a few could be locked. From noon until 3 p. m. today citizens who have described the town as “America’s last frontier” planned to attend church services or swarm the streets without the accompaniment of clicking roulette wheels, the bark of “dice jockeys” and - the tinkle of glass against

glass. It will be the first time in history

P.).—Many a gambling house and

that no one could buy a drink or drop a few dollars at the gambling tables, and the most surprised citizens in town were churchfolk who several weeks ago rather mildly suggested the closing. They were all but bowled over at the overwhelming acceptance of their suggestion. Society people, here awaiting Nevada divorces, mining prospectors and sportsmen, entered the observance spirit early. They flocked to the drinking and gambling places

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