How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
As Father Vaillant remarked, at Rome they did not seem to realize that it was no easy matter for two missionaries on horseback to keep up with the march of history. (7.1.2)
Father Vaillant often feels like the religious leaders back in Rome take his (and Father Latour's) efforts in New Mexico for granted. They are out of touch with how difficult it is to do religious work in this part of the world.
Quote #2
He attended to his correspondence, went on his rounds among the parish priests, held services at missions that were without pastors, superintended the building of the addition to the Sisters' school: but his heart was not in these things. (7.2.1)
Sometimes, Father Latour gets really down on himself and starts to wonder if there's any point to all the religious work he's doing in New Mexico. During these times, he feels completely disconnected from the world and all the people in it. But luckily, he snaps out of his depression when he sees an enslaved Mexican woman sneak away from her masters just to pray inside his church. The woman's sense of duty totally reinvigorates him.
Quote #3
These poor Mexicans, he reflected, were not the first to pour out their love in this simple fashion. (8.3.19)
While living in New Mexico, Father Latour learns that the Mexican people are extremely devoted to images of Mary. He reminds himself that many people throughout history have felt this same devotion to the Holy Mother, including great artists like Raphael and Titian.