| Members of the Order of Saint Francis of Assisi accompanied the early Spanish explorers into the Southwest and established missions to teach Christianity to the Indians. Twenty-three Friars were murdered by the Indians during the revolt of 1680. The historical pageant given at Santa Fe each year in connection with the Fiesta shows the important part which the Fathers played in the making of the Southwest. In devotion to their cause, many of these priests suffered martyrdom. |
