As we noted in the last article Columbus always (and with remarkable orthodoxy considering the times in which he lived) professed Christianity. That this profession was more than simply perfunctory is confirmed by the unanimous testimony of those who knew him.

His son Ferdinand, who was with his father throughout the last six years of his life says, "...he was so great an enemy to cursing and swearing, that I never heard him utter any other oath than 'by San Fernandd!' and when he was most angry with anyone, his reprimand was to say, 'May God take you!' for doing or saying that. And when he had to write anything, he would not try the pen without first writing these words: Jesus cum Maria sit nobis in via ["Jesus and Mary be with us on the way")..."