Our first day in Quito, Ecuador was an exciting, adventure-filled one. We pranced around the cobblestone streets, bought all the things we never knew we needed at outdoor markets, learned about Catholicism and Quito’s chocolate production, and absorbed the best views that Quito had to offer.

What resonated with me the most was the Iglesia de San Francisco (or the Church and Convent of San Francisco). The Church was absolutely breathtaking. As we walked in, we were presented with high, arched ceilings with gold-plated columns and old artwork that lined the smooth, dark, wooded walls. Even though I am not Catholic, I felt a sense of unity and community in the Iglesia de San Francisco. The cacophony of euphonious voices mixed with the bellowing, sweet organ filled every inch of the massive room.

After we initially explored the Church on our own, we returned with the tour guide a few hours later. This time around, we had gained a sense of Catholic history and its establishment in Quito. My perception of the Church’s beauty did not change, but my respect for and understanding of the Church did.

After learning about Cantuña and his deal with the Devil, I felt as though my experience of the Church’s Sunday Mass improved. I admired Cantuña and his wisdom in hiding a piece of the Church’s stone so he did not have to give his soul to the Devil. He took a dangerous risk by asking the Devil to build the atrium for the future San Francisco Church. With this piece of historic knowledge, it was amazing to look out from the balcony and watch the Ecuadorians enjoy their Sunday Mass in such a sacred atrium.