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Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 25, No. 5. 1962.

The Auto-De-Fe

The Auto-De-Fe

Now we will try to describe—in general, the usual preparations for the public execution of heretics; the Auto-De-Fe.

When an Inquisitor had determined to sentence on a company of prisoners, he appointed a Sunday or Feast -day for the occasion. Avoiding however, Lent, Easter, or Christmas. The day being fixed, general notice was given from the pulpits, that at the lime and place appointed, there would be a "general Sermon of the Faith" delivered by the Inquisitor. A living picture of the last judgment would be repressented for the instruction of the faithful.

A crier would come forth from the Palace of the Inquisition, and in the public places display an order that no person from that hour until the day after execution should carry arms or proceed in coach, sedan, or horseback through the streets or square where the scaffolding was erected.

Meanwhile, preparations began in the Holy House. The prisoners had their beards shaven off and their hair cut.

On the morning of the fatal day, the culprits were brought out of their cells, attired in black or yellow. For the spectacle they were told to sit. upon the ground in silence, not moving any limb, and await their hour.

Those to be burnt were placed in a separate group and were asked to repent and be reconciled. If they did they were offered a less painful death by strangulation or beheading.

All preparations being complete, the Chief Inquisitor proceeded to the door of his palace and read out the names of each offender. Each person came when called, with all his marks upon him—marks of starvation, torture, terror, shame; or often with a smile of conquest upon his lips.

The whole group would then start off towards the place of execution. The Church in front followed by the repentent, who in turn were followed by those to be burned and finally, to do honour and service to the occasion, the civic authorities. The clergy would comprise the tail-end.