In my second novel, Against Flesh and Blood, Will and RJ go to the city of San Luis, Colorado. There they coordinate with a friend of theirs, UnderSheriff Albert Montoya, to apprehend an individual believed to have committed a crime.

While going in, Will causally mentions “The Stations of the Cross” exhibit that is being constructed on the mesa that overlooks the community. The mesa itself is called “la Mesa de la Piedad y de la Misericordia” (Hill of Piety and Mercy).

  • If Bronze could cry, it would.

The actual name is “Shrine of the Stations of the Cross.” The members of the local parish wanted a place where one could pray and find solace for people of the Christian faith.

For people unfamilar with the Catholic faith, the stations depict Christ’s last hours, his judgment, suffering, crucifixion and death.

The work was done by local artist Hubert Maestas. Working in bronze, he has crafted a dramatic work that could easily be tossed up against the Renaissance greats.

From a personal perspective, his work and the location brought new meaning to what before had been just a series of painting on walls of a church. Expressions of Christ’s face or those around him are anything but vacant looks. In several, the work is so lovingly done, if bronze could cry, it would.

  • Example of the work

So, if you ever go to the San Luis Valley and want to take a look at some of the greatest art work about, the community of San Luis is a worthwhile stop.