We have a stunning new church here -- the result of a generous donation from a Minnesota family. Tomorrow morning we'll celebrate the inaugural Mass of the academic year. Classes are suspended for 2 hours and with the lovely phrase asistencia obligatoria on posters around campus, everybody knows that attendance is mandatory. I've posted just over a dozen photos on my photo blog of today's preparations. Here are two: first, some of the local weavings used to cover the altar during Mass.

And the maestro who carved both the crucifix and the statue of St Francis (as well as the little puppy who keeps San Francisco company) made the 7 hour round trip journey down from La Paz to install them both. In this second photo, he's applying one last bit of stain to Jesus' face.