This book examines the spiritual community of the followers of St. Francis of Wounds in the town of Caninde in northeast Brazil.

Examines the spiritual community of the followers of St. Francis of Wounds in the town of Canindé in northeast Brazil. King argues that these marginalized Brazilians, living in a region where poverty is endemic, use St. Francis of Wounds to replace the medical and social services that the government has failed to provide. She further illustrates the evolution of the regional practice with photographs documenting all stages of this tradition.