Whereas Fray Baltazar grew fruit trees for his own enjoyment and at the expense of the Indian women who tended his orchard with hard labor, Latour grows fruit for the nutritional value it has for all who wish to partake of it. Also, Baltazar used the Catholic faith to enslave the superstitious Indians, while Latour bestows Catholicism on his diocese to liberate them.
Although both priests are depicted as being strong in faith, Cather goes to some lengths to depict their humanity. Vaillant is physically unattractive and emotional. Latour, on the other hand, is handsome and stoic. Despite his stoicism, Latour is lonely during his friend's extended absences. He would like nothing more than to deny Vaillant his vocation to save lost souls in Arizona in return for his friend's companionship. The two priests balance each other.
The appearance of Magdalena contrasts with the devotion to Mary. Whereas Mary was virginal and pure, Magdalena has been defiled and witness to the sinful acts of Buck Scales. But in the month of Mary, Magdalena appears as devout and innocent. The intercession of Latour and Vaillant has ensured her mortal and eternal salvation.
