The Power and the Glory Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary

Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary

Father José is walking though a cemetery and comes upon a funeral. A family is burying what is obviously a small child. They see Father José and beg him to say a prayer at the grave. Father José wants to help but he is scared, he knows if he does so the family will go home and tell their neighbors. If the authorities find out he is afraid he will get in trouble, lose his pension or even be killed for practicing his religion, which he has renounced. The family is desperate and pleads with the ex-priest to say just one prayer. Father José still refuses, apologizing but saying it is impossible and against the law. He gets a strange sense of pride at being treated as a priest again, treated with respect he has lost. He is tempted to say a quick prayer and starts to make the sign...
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