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Blessed Carlo Acutis to be proclaimed a Saint

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In a decree released on May 22, 2024, Pope Francis announced he would convene a Consistory of Cardinals to deliberate the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis as a result of a miracle recognized on that date.

Pope Francis beatified the millenial Carlo Acutis in 2020 in Assisi, where Blessed Carlo had made multiple pilgrimages and where his mortal remains rest.

The Canonization had been scheduled for earlier in the year, but was postponed due to the death of Pope Francis.

Beatification, when someone is declared “Blessed”, usually requires that the Vatican confirm that a miracle took place as the result of that person interceding with God. To be clear, God performs the miracle, not the intercessor.  Two miracles are required before a “Blessed” can be declared a saint

First Miracle attributed to the intercession of Carlo Acutis:

In 2020, the Vatican recognized Acutis’ first miracle: the curing of a 4-year-old Brazilian boy named Mattheus in 2013. The boy was healed from a serious birth defect called an annular pancreas after he and his mother asked Acutis to intercede asking the Lord to grant a miracle of healing

Second Miracle attributed to the intercession of Carlo Acutis:

The miracle recognized on May 22, 2024 is related to a woman from Costa Rica.

On July 8, 2022,  a woman named Liliana prayed at the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi asking his intercession for her daughter, Varleria.  Valeria was attending university in Florence, and had fallen from her bicycle,  suffering severe head trauma.  She was going to require craniotomy surgery, and the removal of the right occipital bone to reduce pressure on her brain, with what her doctors said was a very low chance of survival.

Liliana left a letter at the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis describing her plea.  That same day, the hospital informed her that Valeria had begun to breath spontaneously. The next day, she began to move and partially regain her speech.

On July 18, a CAT scan proved that her hemorrhaging had disappeared, and on August 11 Valeria was moved to rehabilitation therapy. She made quick progress, and on September 2 Valeria and Liliana made another pilgrimage to Assisi to thank Blessed Carlo for his intercession.

We look forward to the future Canonization of what many call a “Saint of the New Millenium”

Source: Vatican News Service

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Movie Review: “The Face of Jesus”

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Movie review "The Face of Jesus"Opening June 3rd in select theaters, the new movie “The Face of Jesus” gives us a fascinating glimpse into the history of the images of the Face of Jesus…some of which are rather obscure. Possibly the most well-known image is on the Holy Shroud of Turin which, of course, not only shows the face of Jesus, but His full body as well.  Then, there is Veronica’s Veil, which is normally on display in Manoppello, Italy.

But there other less well known images….and their history and significance are just now being made known (this movie being one of the means of helping spread this devotion).

Why the movie “The Face of Jesus” fascinated us:

The veil of ManoppelloThe movie introduces us to some of the scientific basis for believing these images to be of supernatural origin.  It also helps us to understand why the images are so treasured and also helps explain the history of several of these images as they were moved from one place to another throughout the ancient world.

But for those not just interested in the scientific evidence; but wanting more, what we found especially interesting in the movie were the testimonies of those who had prayed before the image of the Face of Jesus and the results they reported.

We have mentioned this ad-infinitum, but just to refresh: as Catholics we do not worship statues or images, but we do revere them: they are not the object of worship themselves, but rather a means of focusing their minds and hearts on the holy person or event they represent. They are used to assist in prayer and devotion….a distinction that many critics of the Catholic Church fail to make.  Sadly, even some Catholic make the mistake of saying that we are worshipping an image, although it is a matter of symantics, not the real meaning of their statement.

Click here for the link for the trailer of “The Face of Jesus”

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Flying? Beware….Real ID takes effect May 7

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Air transportation in the U.S. is about to get a bit more complicated.  Wednesday, May 7 is the first day a Real ID compliant license — or another acceptable document — is needed to board a commercial aircraft for domestic travel in the U.S.

It sounds like something of a nightmare at the security checkpoints so we expect a fair amount of confusion as well as disappointment.

What is Real ID?

The law was scheduled to be enforced in 2008 but has been delayed many times.

It will finally go in to effect May 7, 2025.

A Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets federal security standards. Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, seeking to beef up security surrounding IDs used at airports.   Compliant IDs such as driver’s licenses are typically marked with a star in the upper right corner, though the specific design may vary by state.  States that are already compliant include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, S. Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

But don’t take our word for it….pull out your driver’s license and look.

Obviously if you have a U.S. passport you will be compliant..

According to T.S.A., 81% of travelers at T.S.A. checkpoints already present an acceptable identification including a state-issued Real ID, according to TSA’s statement.  For those who don’t…or aren’t sure, we advise you to check your documentation ahead of time. Note: TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification,

If you do not have a current passport or Real ID driver’s license, then in order to obtain a Real ID, Department of Homeland Security says at a minimum you must provide documentation that shows your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of principal address and lawful status.

Find your states’ requirements and how to get a Real ID on this DHS page.

Alternatives to Real ID:

A valid U.S. Passport or enhanced license are Real ID alternatives.  We recommend that most people have a passport regardless, since you never know when an opportunity to travel overseas will come up, and you will have to have a passport to travel overseas.  And…..that is one less thing you need to do to prepare for your trip……just keep an eye on the expiration date!

In addition to real ID driver’s licenses, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are also considered acceptable alternatives.

U.S. passport or passport card and DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), Permanent resident card

Are you confused yet?  Well so were we.  Hopefully the information provided will help,

No Real ID or passport? Expect delays

What we’re watching: TSA says if you don’t have a Real ID or acceptable alternative it would be helpful to bring along “anything that can help us confirm your , such as your name and current address.”

“You may need to undergo identity verification and subject to additional screening,” TSA said on a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” session.
TSA recommends these passengers allow themselves an extra hour to pass through airport security.

“Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,” TSA said.

How will airports handle Real ID transition?

All airports are different and have different layouts, so this is a hard question to answer.  Our best advice is always get to the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure.

Be on the lookout for signage or TSA officers there helping and guiding passengers to the appropriate areas.

How it works: Go to your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a Real ID.

In some states, you can order a Real ID and others you’ll need to make an appointment with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The deadline’s approach is causing panic in some states with long lines and high demand for appointments.

The scramble to get appointments has also created a “perfect storm for cybercriminals to take advantage,” Ian Bednowitz, LifeLock general manager, told Axios, noting “scammers are capitalizing on the confusion and urgency.”

Can a temporary Real ID be used to fly?  “Temporary paper IDs aren’t accepted at our security checkpoints,” the TSA says, “so you should plan to bring another acceptable form of ID (such as a Passport or military ID) with you to the airport.”

The deadline isn’t pressing for everyone. You only need a Real ID by May 7 if you’re over 18, flying domestically soon and don’t have a passport, or if you have to enter a military base or a secure federal building.  However, we recommend your getting one just to be prepared.

Here’s a treat:  Krispy Kreme has announced that it is marking the Real ID deadline of May 7 with a free glazed doughnut giveaway, in shop or via drive-thru…no ID or purchase required.  Limit one per customer.

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Funeral of Pope Francis set for April 26

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According the Holy See Press Office,  here are the details of the funeral of Pope Francis:

The 88-year-old pontiff had been well aware of his fragile state, especially in view of his recent illness. As early as 2015, Pope Francis had expressed the desire to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore), a fifth-century church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was so devoted to Mary and her basilica that after each of his more than 100 trips abroad, he would visit it after returning to Rome to pray and meditate.

No pope has been buried in Saint Mary Major since the 17th century, when Pope Clement IX was laid to rest there.

The funeral rites take place in three parts, called stations:

The first Station: certifying the death

This takes place in the pope’s private chapel, after medical professionals have certified his death. Until recently, this stage had taken place at the pope’s bedside.

After the body lies in rest in the chapel, the cardinal serving as the pope’s Camerlengo — the pope’s chief of staff — will make the arrangements for the funeral. He is also tasked with running the Vatican until a new pope is elected. The current Camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, appointed by Francis in 2019.

As has been done for centuries, the Camerlengo will formally call the deceased pope by the full name given to him when he was baptized as an infant — Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

Another ancient rite will also take place after the declaration of the pope’s death: the defacing of the pope’s ring. Each pope wears a custom-made ring with an engraved image of a man fishing from a boat, hearkening back to the gospel of Matthew, where Jesus calls St. Peter a “fisher of men.” This Fisherman’s Ring, with the name of the current pope engraved over the image, could act as a seal on official documents. The Camerlengo will break Francis’ ring and smash the seal with a hammer or other instrument to prevent any other person from using it.

The pope’s apartments will also be locked, with no one allowed to enter; traditionally, this was done to prevent looting.

Translation of the body of Pope Francis:  Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Catholic Church, presided over the rite of translation of the body of Pope Francis on April 23, which began at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer.  The procession then passed through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs and exited through the Arch of the Bells into Saint Peter’s Square and enterd Saint Peter’s Basilica through the central door.

The Second station: Viewing the body

The deceased pope will be dressed in his simple white cassock and red vestments, then placed in a simple wooden coffin. While previous pontiffs, including the late Pope Benedict, have been buried in the traditional triple coffins made of cypress, lead and oak, Francis instead chose a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc. This will be carried in procession to Saint Peter’s Basilica, where the public viewing will take place for the next three days.

Saint Peter’s Basilica will remain open for the faithful who wish to pay their respects to the late Pope on Wednesday April 23 from 11:00 AM to midnight; on Thursday April 24 from 7:00 AM to midnight; and on Friday April 25 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

The pope’s body will be left in the plain, open casket during this viewing period in order to emphasize the pope’s humble role as a pastor, not a head of state. The earlier practice would have been to place the body on top of a tall raised platform, called a catafalque; this ended with the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI in 2022.

At Francis’ funeral, after the public viewing, a plain white cloth will be placed over the pope’s face as he lies in the oak coffin, a continuing part of papal funerals.

Pope Francis’ coffin to be sealed in rite on Friday evening.

Pope Francis’ coffin will be sealed during a liturgical rite held in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, April 25, at 8:00 PM.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin of the late Pope Francis, ahead of the papal funeral on Saturday morning.  The liturgical rite will be attended by several Cardinals and Holy See officials.

This will mark the end of public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica, which has seen tens of thousands of people pay their respects to the late Pope.

As his mortal remains lie in state, over 50,000 people have filed past the Altar of the Confession in the 24 hours since the Vatican Basilica opened to the faithful on Wednesday morning.

St. Peter’s Basilica remained open until 5:30 AM on Thursday, closing for an hour and a half before reopening at 7:00 AM.

At the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo  presided over the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of which the visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff commenced.

The coffin was sealed during the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin on Friday, April 25.

According to the Vatican News Service, The Office for the Liturgical Celebrations requested the presence of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re, Pietro Parolin, Roger Mahony, Domenique Mamberti, Mauro Gambetti, Baldassare Reina, and Konrad Krajewski for the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin.

Those assisting the Rite also included Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Archbishop Ilson de Jesus Montanari, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, the Canons of the Vatican Chapter, the Ordinary Minor Penitentiaries of the Vatican, the late Pope’s secretaries, and others admitted by the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Archbishop Diego Ravelli.

The Funeral of Pope Francis:

The funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday April 26 in front Saint Peter’s Basilica.   It was earlier thought that it would be inside due to cold weather, but with highs around 70°F (21°C) and there will likely be a large number of people assembled on the plaza.

Masses will continue to be said in Francis’ memory for nine days after his death — a period called the Novendialis. This ritual was inspired by an ancient Roman tradition prescribing a mourning period ending on the ninth day after a death.  The Novemdiales Masses will be held each day at 5:00 PM (GMT +2) in St. Peter’s Basilica, except for the Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, which will take place at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Square.

Third station: Burial

Most popes are buried in the grottoes underneath Saint Peter’s, and since Pope Leo XIII’s burial at St. John Lateran in 1903, every pope has been buried at Saint Peter’s.

According to Francis’ wishes, as expressed in his last will and testament, his body was buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major,

After so many journeys from Rome to visit Catholic communities in countries across the globe, and so many visits to this basilica for prayer and meditation, It seems fitting that, at the end of his life’s journey, Francis would make one last trip to the church he loved so much to be laid to rest forever.

After a few final prayers and sprinkling of holy water, the coffin was placed in its final location inside the church. Only later will the area be opened to the public for prayers and veneration.

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FRANCE (Paris) Annual Paris to Chartres Pilgrimage

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The Paris-Chartres Pilgrimage occurs every year on the Saturday before the Feast of Pentecost in early summer.  Although primarily for young people, it is a multi-generational, multi-national gathering of Catholics who draw closer to God through the centuries-old act of pilgrimage.

The walk is roughly 62 miles over 3 days—beginning at daybreak on the Saturday before Pentecost, and ending with an afternoon mass on the Monday after Pentecost.

The trek takes 8,000-10,000 pilgrims from paris’ Church of Saint-Sulpice at 6 a.m. on June 4 and the journey of faith and foot  through the French countryside to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres (the pilgrimage used to start at Notre Dame de Paris, but since the fire at Notre Dame in 2019 the starting point has been changed).

Pilgrims are organized into groups of 20-60 people, that are referred to as “chapters”. Participants brave the weather, blisters, and humble food and accommodations as an act of faith and an act of reparation in these modern times.

There is be Solemn Mass every day in the Traditional Roman Rite. Those who join the pilgrimage will have the opportunity to sing and pray in both English, French, and Latin.

On the way of the pilgrimage route the French have the venerable custom of singing the Rosary in French.

The pilgrimage begins on the morning of the Vigil of Pentecost, with Mass. The following day, the Solemnity of Pentecost, Solemn Pontifical Mass will be sung in the French countryside. The concluding Mass will be celebrated the afternoon of Monday, June 9, Pentecost Monday, in Chartres Cathedral.

The theme of this year’s pilgrimage is For our Holy Mother the Church.

It is reported a record number of pilgrims (approximately 16,000) have registered for the pilgrimage in 2025.

Click here for the official Chartres Pilgrimage  website in English.

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Statue of Mystical Rose added to Vatican Gardens

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From Vatican News Service regarding Mary, “Mystical Rose”:

The prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith blessed a statue of Mary, “Mystical Rose”:
Statue of Rosa Mystica
Statue of Rosa Mystica

Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, blessed a statue of “Mary, Mystical Rose” at the Vatican on Monday of Holy Week 2025.  The statue, donated by Pope Francis, was placed in a shrine close to the Sacrament Fountain in the Vatican Gardens.

This follows the decision last summer by the Dicastery saying there is no objection to devotion to Our Lady under that title.

 

Among those present for the blessing, in addition to Cardinal Fernández, were the two secretaries of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Archbishop John Joseph Kennedy and Fr Armando Matteo; as well as the secretary-general of the Governorate of Vatican City State, Archbishop Emilio Nappa.

A ‘green light’ for devotion to Mary, Mystical Rose:

Last July, the Dicastery released a decision, based on the new norms regarding alleged supernatural phenomena, granting the “nulla osta” authorizing public devotion to Mary under the title “Mystical Rose,” in connection with messages purportedly received between 1947 and 1966 by visionary Pierina Gilli.

The decision also permitted the dedication of churches and sacred places to Mary under this title, with the corresponding image.

The judgment of the Dicastery:

In a letter accompanying last July’s decision by the Dicastery, Cardinal Fernández wrote that one does not find “negative moral aspects or other critical aspects related to this spiritual experience” of Pierina Gilli. “Rather,” he said, “one can find several positive aspects that stand out in the messages as a whole.”

 

The reported  apparitions of Mary under the titles of “Mystical Rose” and “Mother of the Church”;

The apparitions are connected to the locality of Fontanelle, located south of the town of Montichiari in the Italian province of Brescia.

The visionary, Pierina Gilli, was born into a peasant family, and worked as a housekeeper and nurse in a hospital, leading a very simple life until her death in 1991 at the age of 80.

Her mystical experiences occurred over two different periods, the first dating back to 1947, when Our Lady is said to have appeared to Pierina, presenting herself under the titles “Mystical Rose” and “Mother of the Church.” On Mary’s white robe, Gilli says she saw three roses: one white, one red and one yellow, symbolising prayer, penance and suffering.

The second cycle of apparitions took in 1966 in Fontanelle. Here, on 13 May, a significant Marian date, Our Lady indicated a particular spring to Pierina as a place of purification and source of graces. As early as 1966, work began on building a sanctuary on the site, which took the form not of a church, but of an open amphitheater. On one side, there is a chapel for the celebration of the Holy Mass; on the other, a second, smaller chapel surrounding the spring indicated by the apparition.

Click here to read more about the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary as “Rosa Mystica” in Fontanelle, Italy.

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Catholic Travel: Where to go in 2025?

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Reading the news headlines…or watching the news on TV, can in some cases just make the idea of foreign travel seem too dangerous, too difficult, or simply not worth the effort.  It becomes easy to put off visiting these places….just wait until conditions improve, you tell yourself.

But this is not the case.

In fact, the future of Catholic travel appears to be vibrant and evolving, driven by a combination of spiritual renewal, cultural exploration, and emerging global trends.

This is particularly evident in light of the  Jubilee Year 2025, which began on Christmas Eve 2024 and will conclude on January 6, 2026 .

This special event, occurring every 25 years, traditionally draws millions of pilgrims, not only to Rome, but to many other holy sites worldwide. The anticipation is already sparking increased interest in pilgrimage travel, with opportunities for plenary indulgences and a focus on Eucharistic revival, especially in places like Italy, home to notable Eucharistic miracles such as Lanciano and Bolsena-Orvieto. Travel organizations are preparing for this surge by offering tailored itineraries, suggesting that 2025 could see a significant uptick in Catholic pilgrimages.

Beyond the Jubilee, the broader trend of religious tourism is gaining momentum.

Pilgrimage travel is no longer just about traditional destinations like Rome, Lourdes, or the Holy Land. Emerging destinations such as Poland (with its rich Catholic heritage tied to St. John Paul II and Divine Mercy) and Lithuania are attracting attention.

And, there are many increasingly popular destinations in the U.S. such as The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, formerly Our Lady of Good Help, the only Vatican-approved Marian apparition site in the U.S., tied to 1859 visions. Its profile has risen with recent Eucharistic pilgrimages (like the 2024 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage), and its rural serenity could attract more Catholics in 2026 seeking authentic, lesser-known holy sites.  Likewise the The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland is bound to attract thousands.

Additionally, unique experiences like walking the Camino de Santiago or exploring lesser-known shrines are appealing to Catholics seeking both spiritual depth and adventure. The integration of food, culture, and faith— tours in Italy or Portugal—also hints at a diversification of Catholic travel offerings.

Safety and accessibility are improving in key regions, enhancing prospects. For instance, the Holy Land, despite past conflicts, is showing signs of recovery with resumed flights and reopened sites, making it more feasible for pilgrims to return. Similarly, restrictions in popular European cities like Venice and Rome, aimed at reducing overcrowding, could benefit Catholic travelers by offering a more intimate experience at holy sites.

Challenges remain, such as geopolitical instability or economic barriers, but the resilience of Catholic travel is evident. With priests accompanying groups, daily Mass, and a focus on small, meaningful journeys, the experience is becoming more personalized. The future likely holds a blend of tradition and innovation—more pilgrims, diverse destinations, and a deeper intertwining of faith with global exploration.

Pilgrims at St Peter's BasilicaOur thoughts?  It’s going to be crowded….for example, Rome normally attracts some 35 million tourists annually…and a Jubilee Year will probably bring that number up considerably.  Admittedly, these are not all Catholic pilgrims, but they will likely be visiting many of the same places that you have on your itinerary.

One way to overcome some of these challenges is to book with a reliable tour company, guaranteed admission to many popular sites and some hard-to-enter places as well.  And, of course, hotel accommodations that suit your itinerary, so you won’t have to chase after hotel rooms in un-familiar cities (nothing is worse than being in a hotel outside your desired location),

For a great selection of Jubilee Year 2025 pilgrimages we suggest Select International Tours.

 

 

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Jubilee Year 2025…opportunity for a plenary indulgence

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2025 will be a Jubilee Year, with an opportunity to get a plenary indulgence.

It was announced by Pope John Paul II at the end of the Great Jubilee (December 24, 1999 to January 6, 2001), that there will be a jubilee year every 25 years.   Therefore, the year 2025 will be a Jubilee Year, beginning on December 24, 2024 and ending on January 6, 2026.

What is a Jubilee Year?

A Jubilee Year is a special year of grace, in which the Catholic Church offers the faithful the possibility of asking for a plenary indulgence (the remission of sins for themselves or for deceased relatives). A bit different from the secular calendar, the Jubilee Year year starts on December 24.

The most well-known rite that starts the Jubilee Year is the opening of the Holy Door in Saint Peter’s Basilica.  Normally walled up, the door was opened at that time.

This was followed on successive days by opening the Holy Doors on the other 3 Major Basilicas: Saint John Lateran, Saint Paul Outside the Walls and Saint Mary Major.

These doors will remain open until the end of the Jubilee, when they are once again walled up.  Those walking through these holy doors will receive a plenary indulgence.

There are no diocesan holy doors; However, a person can make a pilgrimage to any cathedral to receive the same indulgence. Also, a bishop can designate certain types of shrines for the same indulgence.

You can find the official Vatican Jubilee Year 2025 website here.

If you plan to travel to Rome for the Jubilee Year, we suggest you check out the many pilgrimages being offered by Select International Tours.

 

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Do you know the tradition of the “Christmas Nail”?

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One of the best things about Advent and Christmas is discovering the many varied traditions that families have passed down through the generations.  When you travel….whether locally or abroad….you will often find traditions that have endured for centuries.

SAtory of the Christmas NailOne of these traditions is the “Christmas nail”.   Supposedly resembling the nails used to attach Jesus to the cross, it is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas….that the birth of Christ was subsequently followed by His crucifixion and then His resurrection.

It is fitting that the nail is placed on a tree….since He was crucified by hanging Him on a tree.

Many families put the Christmas nail near the center of the tree, to remind them that Christ should be at the center of their lives.  It is a great way to bring Christ back in to Christmas.

Get one for your family and start a new tradition.

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Forget the Pilgrims…..the first Thanksgivings Were Catholic

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The image of the puritans, a decidedly non-Catholic bunch, sitting down with the Indians for the first Thanksgiving in 1622 is fairly well-documented in most U.S. history books.  However, there were at least two Catholic Thanksgivings that pre-dated this event by at least 20 years.

As I was growing up in San Antonio, Texas, our Thanksgiving dinners were always prefaced by a prayer that had been passed down over generations. I never paid much attention to the origin of that prayer, having other things on my mind.  But as I look back on it, I realize this prayer came from what was probably one of the first Thanksgivings on the newly-discovered continent.

My family on my mother’s side came from Spain (actually, the Canary Islands…a territory of Spain off the coast of Africa), sailed to Mexico (then called Zacatecas, Nueva Espana or “New Spain”), landed in Veracruz and traveled north from there..   My ancestor, Pedro Gomez Duran y Chavez, was in this group, led by Don Juan de Onate, as they began their quest to claim Mexico for the King of Spain in 1598.  Such journeys were undertaken with the purpose of both gaining territory and spreading Christianity.

Mission Concepcion in San Antonio Texas
Mission Cencepcion in San Antonio, Texas

The expedition traveled over 800 miles through unknown territory and  finally came to the banks of El Rio Bravo (the Rio Grande River) almost exhausted. Onate  nailed a cross to a tree and took formal possession of the new land, called New Mexico, “in the name of the Heavenly Lord, God Almighty, and the earthly lord King Philip II”.  On April 30, 1598, Father Alfonso Martínez, the Commissary Apostolic, led the members of the expedition in a Mass of Thanksgiving.

After the Mass that day, the Franciscan priests blessed the tables laden with fish, ducks, geese and items from the expeditions’ stores.  No mention of Turkey though, as it was not likely a local staple.  As they feasted, a play was performed recounting the conversion and baptism of the local Indians.

Now, back to our family thanksgiving in San Antonio.  The prayer of Thanksgiving that I heard growing up goes like this:

“Open the door to these heathens, establish the church altars where the Body and Blood of the Son of God may be offered, open to us the way to security and peace for their preservation and ours, and give to our king and to me in his royal name, peaceful possession of these kingdoms and provinces for His blessed Glory.  Amen“.

There are still some descendants of the Chavez clan in New Mexico that celebrate the feast of Thanksgiving on April 30th each year…. not necessarily with feasting but at least with a remembrance.

Although often disputed among some members of our clan, there is another claim to the first Thanksgiving, and that is Saint Augustine, Florida.  Again, it was a Catholic event: a celebration between the Spanish and the local Timucuan Indians on September 8, 1565. Sadly, my ancestors and I will have to settle for second billing, as Saint Augustine would appear to be the real first Thanksgiving in the New World.  

So….as Paul Harvey used to say….now you know the rest of the story!