How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
Solemnly down the street came the parish priest, and the children
Paused in their play to kiss the hand he extended to bless them.
Reverend walked he among them; and up rose matrons and maidens,
Hailing his slow approach with words of affectionate welcome. (43-46)
We guess it's possible that a bunch of kids would interrupt their lively game of tag to kiss a priest's hand. We've just never come across these kids in our lifetime. (Mainly they wipe their nose on their sleeve and kick the back of our airplane seats.) The idea here is clear, though: the Acadians are a God-fearing people who respect their religious representatives.
Quote #2
Under the sycamore-tree were hives overhung by a penthouse,
Such as the traveller sees in regions remote by the roadside,
Built o'er a box for the poor, or the blessed image of Mary. (87-89)
Here we see that religion and charity literally represented in the designs of the villagers. Their attachment to religion is portrayed as something entirely beneficial.
Quote #3
Raising his reverend hand, with a gesture he awed into silence
All that clamorous throng; and thus he spake to his people;
Deep were his tones and solemn; in accents measured and mournful
Spake he, as, after the tocsin's alarum, distinctly the clock strikes.
'What is this that ye do, my children? what madness has seized you?
Forty years of my life have I labored among you, and taught you,
Not in word alone, but in deed, to love one another! (464-470)
Father Felician is the person responsible for quieting the raucous menfolk (and quite possibly saving their lives in the process, seeing as how the English are armed and the villagers are not). It's important to note the kind of authority he carries in the community—folks listen when he speaks. The words of advice also underscore the central role of religion in the villagers' lives. They're told to love everyone, even as the English soldiers are kicking them off their land.