Se ee 
TO LA MAGDALENA. 425 
few years, which is quite an imposing edifice, with two 
fine towers and a large dome, beneath which the Saint 
reposes. 
For several days previous to the 4th of October, 
which is the Saint’s day, preparations for its celebra- 
tion begin ; so that the devotions and offerings, with 
their accompanying festivities, are in full blast a day or 
two in advance. La Magdalena and the Church of 
San Francisco are the Mecca of devout Mexican Catho- 
lics. From the borders of Sinaloa on the south to the 
furthest outpost near the Gila, and from the Gulf of 
California to the Sierra Madre, they flock in by thou- 
sands, to offer their devotions at this shrine. It is not 
unusual for very great sinners to bring their burden 
of guilt a distance of four or five hundred miles; a 
Journey in this country of greater difficulty, and requir- 
ing more time, than one from New Orleans to Quebec. 
The poorer classes often come a hundred miles on 
foot, begging by the way. The more penitent, like 
the idolaters before the temple of Juggernaut, or the 
devout Mohammedan at the shrine of his prophet, pros- 
trate themselves, and, with their hands crossed on their 
breasts, advance on their knees a hundred feet or 
more to the church. Both men and women are thus 
Seen toiling over the dusty street and brick pavement 
of the church to the presence of the Saint, who is laid 
out beneath the dome and in front of the altar. When 
the votaries reach the bier, they cross themselves, and 
With outstretched arms repeat their prayers. They 
then rise to their feet, and, drawing nearer, present 
their offerings, : es 
The body of San Francisco, or rather its image, lies 
