Pop very much enjoyed telling two stories about religion.
One of them was about the California Mission Indians. The Padre in charge of one Mission was rather disappointed at the attendance at the Sunday morning service. He thought about it and finally came up with an idea. He would supply some kind of breakfast for his flock after the service each Sunday. As the word got around, the attendance increased, and after a few Sundays, he had a very good gathering each time. It was quite a bit of work and some expense. So after a couple of months, the Padre, being convinced that he had finally established the true religion in the hearts and minds of his Indians, began to cut back on the breakfast. He then noticed that the attendance began to fall off. Finally, as he reached the point of no breakfast, only one old Indian came. After the service the Padre talked to the old man and asked him why the other Indians didn't come. The old Indian looked at him and said, "No beans -- no Jesus."
The other one was of a Missionary down in the Southwest. He was arguing with an Indian, attempting to convert him to Christianity. After a long and intense discussion, the Indian said, "Can you see your God?" The Missionary answered, "Of course not." Then the Indian pointed to the sun and said, "I can see my God."
Another story of religion which I believe to be true, although it may not be, illustrates the toughness of the Indians.
Something happened at San Ildefonso one time. The Bishop at Santa Fe then excomunicated the whole Pueblo. As time went on, no one from the Pueblo came to the Bishop to ask him to lift the edict. The Bishop patiently bided his time because he knew they had to come to him before the corn dance.
At one point during the corn dance, the couples who wish to be married line up in front of the church, some with their infants in their arms. After all, they were married in the Indian tradition during the year. Then they proceed through the church and the priest marries them. This year, no priest.
Well, no one came to the Bishop. The preparations for the dance went forward, the dance was put on and, at the proper time, the couples lined up and proceeded through the church. Behind the altar was an old Indian who recited all the proper things. If it was Latin, he recited that part in Latin. If it was English, he did it in English and if it was Spanish he did it in Spanish, just as the priest would have if he had been there. Well, then, they were all properly married and all was well. When the Bishop heard of these things, he gave up, and lifted the edict.
| Back to Stories | Elkus Papers Main Page |