Archaeologists are mystified by this secretive Catholic society in New Mexico

Archaeologists are mystified by this secretive Catholic society in New Mexico
(Image credit: Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

The Penitente Brotherhood, a mysterious Catholic society based in New Mexico, was active in the 19th century, but many details about the group are still unknown. In the May/June issue of Archaeology magazine, Dean Blaine explores New Mexico's Penitente sites and their secrets.

The brotherhood was formed by lay Catholics who lived too far from priests and churches to celebrate the sacraments. But as word of the organization spread, rumors about "self-flagellation, bloodletting, and gory re-enactments of Christ's crucifixion" did too. The Catholic church eventually condemned the Penitentes, calling them "wayward extremists."

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.