During a recent trip to Las Cruces I visited one of the local archeological sites, one which I later discovered was also the site of an unsolved murder dating to 1869. This place is called "La Cueva," The Cave. Taking University Avenue east out of Las Cruces, it will turn into Dripping Springs Road by the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. The road climbs steadily for the entire 11-1/2 miles, and it is paved for the first 5 or 6 miles. It turns into a dusty washboard road about a car and a half wide, then back into a paved road shortly before reaching the cattle guard and swinging yellow gate that make up the entrance to Dripping Springs. This area is in the care of the Bureau of Land Management and is manned by some kindly retired folks who volunteer their time and knowledge.

Penitential practices were once common throughout Europe and other colonies in the New World. The Penitente are considered true representatives of Spanish religious thought and culture. The high point of their worship was the re-creation of Christ’s Passion on the cross. This was accomplished through portrayal of the suffering of Christ, self-mortification of the flesh, emulating the crucifixion of Christ, and singing of alabados (sorrowful hymns).