Mission del Fuego Church

A rough adobe structure that serves as a church is run by a Mexican priest (Manuel Concepcion) and an older nun (Natalia Arietta).  Manuel & Natalia have been at this outpost since about a year after it had opened.  Since it is a small church with only having about twenty (20) older seats (not pews) in various states of repair.  At the entrance, there is a small vial of holy water for blessing upon entering and exiting.  At the front of the small structure, is a makeshift altar covered by a hand made cloth with several crosses stitched into it.  Upon the alter are two small (gold in color) cups, one for the ceremonial wine the other for the wafers for communion.  In front of the altar is a collection box for donations from the few church goers and passerby's.

Manuel & Natalia are former banditos who are trying out the reformed life.  His services are usually very short because he  is still trying to navigate the whole bible thing and its story(s).  He has gotten better from his days as a drunkard and general bad person.  Natalia, who also ran with the banditos, was the girlfriend of Manuel, also participated in some of the raids and killings, as well as some prostitution.

Both of them took some money before disappearing from their bandito gang and found their way here.  They're still involved romantic relationship with each other and drink but, they try to be very private about it.  Manuel does have a book of services for Catholic ceremonies that he took off a once way-laid group of missionaries as well as the priest and nun clothing.

Mission del Fuego