Chapter 37 (Chapter 36) Summary: A Skiing Monk and a Relic Discussion

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Brother Armagh drives to Saint Mary's church in Burns, a whitewashed stone building against a snowy mountain backdrop. He finds the church simple and appealing, contrasting with ornate Roman churches. Expecting to meet Father Moore, he instead encounters Brother Gregory, a large Benedictine monk with a Lincoln-like face. The two monks engage in a friendly conversation. Brother Gregory explains he is visiting from Saint Benedict's of Aspen, a monastery slated to close. He speaks about skiing for God and believes the church should focus on poverty and greed rather than censuring issues like homosexuality and abortion. Armagh, surprised by these liberal views, privately agrees. Brother Gregory mentions that Father Moore is not present and describes him as old-fashioned with an odd collection. When the discussion turns to relics, Gregory comments that Catholics sometimes overdo relic veneration, comparing it to graven images. Armagh defends relics as objects of faith that inspire the faithful. Armagh is careful not to reveal the true purpose of his visit—investigating the Castillo murder case and possibly the vandalism at San Silvestro. After exchanging pleasantries, Brother Gregory leaves for Compline in Aspen. Driving away, Armagh reflects on the image of the monk skiing in his robes.

Key Events

Brother Armagh arrives at Saint Mary's church in Burns and admires its simplicity.
He meets Brother Gregory instead of Father Moore.
Gregory tells Armagh about his monastery in Aspen and his hobby of skiing while wearing his robes.
The two discuss their views on the church's priorities, with Gregory advocating for a focus on poverty and good works.
Gregory criticizes relic veneration as potentially idolatrous; Armagh defends it.
Armagh conceals his real mission, claiming he is on vacation from Eagle.
Gregory leaves for Aspen.
Armagh drives away, musing on the metaphor of a monk skiing for God.

Character Development

Brother Armagh: This chapter deepens Armagh's characterization. We see his appreciation for simplicity in worship and his discomfort with ornate church decorations. He holds private liberal views that align with Gregory's, but he remains cautious and disciplined about his secret mission. He is a practiced diplomat, smoothly redirecting conversation and concealing his true purpose. His Irish background and Pallottine affiliation are highlighted.
Brother Gregory: Introduced as a warm, imposing figure. He is physically large yet gentle, and his personality is open, joyful, and progressive. He represents a modern, active form of religious life—engaging the world through skiing and social justice. His casual criticism of relic veneration and traditionalist views positions him as a potential contrast to more conservative Catholic characters.
Father Moore: Only mentioned, described by Gregory as old-fashioned, limited in views, and possessing an odd collection. This hints at his possible significance later.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Simplicity vs. Ornamentation: Armagh explicitly contrasts the spare whitewashed church of Saint Mary's with the ornate Baroque churches of Rome. This reflects a recurring theme of authentic faith stripped of materialism.
Active Ministry vs. Cloistered Life: Brother Gregory embodies the belief that monks should engage with the world rather than remain secluded. His skiing for God is a literal expression of bringing faith into everyday life.
Relic Veneration: The discussion of relics—specifically the head of Saint John the Baptist at San Silvestro—ties back to the larger mystery. Gregory's view that relics can become graven images contrasts with Armagh's defense; this tension underscores differing approaches to faith within the same church.
Secrecy and Mission: Armagh's need to conceal his investigation highlights the theme of hidden truth and the double lives that characters may lead.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter serves as a character study for Brother Armagh and introduces a potential ally or red herring in Brother Gregory. While the plot does not advance directly—no new information about the Castillo case emerges—the chapter deepens Armagh's internal conflict between his personal beliefs and his institutional duties. It also plants clues: the mention of the relic at San Silvestro could connect to earlier vandalism or theft, and the characterization of Father Moore as having an odd collection hints at his role. The chapter enriches the novel's meditation on faith, tradition, and modernity.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Brother Armagh decide to visit Burns, and what does he hope to accomplish?
Answer: Armagh travels to Burns while waiting in Eagle for updates on the Castillo murder case. He intends to pay a social call on Father Moore, the parish priest of Saint Mary's, out of curiosity and a desire to connect with fellow religious figures in the area. He hopes to pass the time and perhaps gather local information without revealing his official mission.

2. How does Brother Gregory's approach to religious life differ from more traditional monastic practices?
Answer: Brother Gregory embraces an active, outdoorsy lifestyle, including skiing while wearing his robes. He believes monks should engage with the world, ski for God, and focus on doing good works rather than remaining cloistered. He also holds liberal views on the church's priorities, arguing that Jesus was more concerned with greed and poverty than with judging individuals over issues like homosexuality or abortion.

3. What does the conversation about relics reveal about both characters?
Answer: The conversation reveals that Armagh values relics as tangible, inspirational objects of faith, a traditional Catholic perspective. Brother Gregory, however, sees relic veneration as potentially idolatrous, comparable to worshipping graven images. This disagreement exposes a generational or philosophical gap: Armagh defends institutional traditions, while Gregory favors a more demystified, modern faith. The mention of Saint John the Baptist's relic also subtly connects to the larger mystery of vandalism or theft.