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PICTURES OF LIFE IN MEXICO.
CHAPTER X.
MEXICAN CATHEDRALS.
Splendour of their interiors.—Sacrilege of rare occurrence.—Great cathedral of Mexico.—Gold and silver altar-piece and balustrade.—Cathedral of Puebla.—Jewelled image of the Virgin—"Miraculous" altarpiece.—Provincial churches.—Perversion of property.—Indulgences.—Form of an indulgence.—Removal of church treasures.—The caravan plundered.—Confession of the leader of the ladrones.—Recovery of the valuables.—Alarms and suspicions.—The treasures concealed.—Ecclesiastical watchmen.—Church sacked by a mob.—Three holy fathers buried alive.
The interior of a cathedral in Mexico presents a blaze of almost oriental splendour; insomuch that a single scene may enable us to form an idea of the wealth contained in these superb structures, as well as in the numerous parish or district churches, throughout the republic.
Brilliant lights and gildings stained glass windows, painting's and shining-altar-pieces,
