We all know the story: 1621. Plymouth Rock. Pilgrims. Turkey. But did you know the first Thanksgiving in America was actually a Catholic Mass?
St. Augustine, Florida (1565)
56 years before the Mayflower, Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed in Florida. He founded the nation's oldest city (St. Augustine). Fr. Francisco López offered a Mass of Thanksgiving. Afterward, the Spaniards and the Timucua Indians shared a feast of bean soup and salted pork.
The Squanto Plot Twist
The Pilgrims would have starved without Squanto (Tisquantum). He taught them how to plant corn. But how did he speak English? Years earlier, Squanto was captured by British slavers. He was rescued by Spanish Franciscan friars who bought his freedom, catechized him, and baptized him. He eventually made his way to London and then back to America. So, the "savage" who saved the Puritans was actually a Catholic.
Pass the gravy. And the truth. Read more American Catholic history on the MyPrayerTower app.
A Prayer for Grace
As you reflect on these spiritual truths, we invite you to join us in this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, we thank You for the wisdom of the Church and the witness of the saints. Grant us the grace to live out our faith with joy and perseverance. May our prayers be a sweet incense rising to Your throne, and may Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen."
Deepen Your Spiritual Journey
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May God bless you and keep you always in His grace.