Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary

Religion has been outlawed in a rural Mexican state and priests are considered traitors. The priests that have not escaped have been hunted down and killed. One priest remains on the run, an unnamed man who is far from a perfect holy man. The priest has fathered a child with one of his congregates and is a drunk who desperately seeks redemption as he runs from the police lieutenant searching for him. With a price on his head he is helped by the faithful citizens of small villages. The priest has little hope of survival and tries to make peace with his life.

The novel opens with a dentist, Mr. Trench, walking outside his place of business in rural Mexico. The land is described as dusty and hot with buzzards flying overhead. Mr. Trench is heading down to the port and...