About The First Mass In American History
The Mass took place during America's first Thanksgiving
A Mass is defined as the central act of worship in the Catholic Church. Also known as the Eucharist. It is a sacramental celebration in which the faithful gather to commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples.
The first Mass in what would later become the United States took place is St. Augustine, Florida. On September 8, 1565, Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving after the arrival of Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés.
Florida State Society Daughters of the American Revolution recognizes it as the first parish mass. St. Johns County Historical Commission defines it as the first Mass in the Nation's first parish. The National Catholic Register acknowledges the event as the first Mass in the U.S.
The attendees probably included Spanish explorers, soldiers, missionaries, and possibly some indigenous people who had been converted or were being introduced to Christianity.Historical records do not specify the exact length of this first Mass.
Typically, Catholic Masses at that time generally lasted around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the occasion, readings, and liturgical practices. Given its significance as a foundational religious event, it was likely conducted with reverence and formality, potentially lasting closer to the longer end of that spectrum.
At a makeshift rustic altar, Father Lopez offered mass in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, its feast day on the same day. Following the liturgy, the Spaniards and the Tumucua Indians shared a meal.
After Mass, the Spanish settlers and the native Timucuans celebrated a meal of Thanksgiving together. This would be the first Thanksgiving in American history making it America's oldest holiday.
The site of this mass later became Mission Nombre de Dios, also named "Name of God." Historical accounts suggest the mission was formally established as a Franciscan mission in 1587, serving to evangelize local Timucua people, particularly the Mocama group.
With the founding of Mission Nombre de Dios, an extensive missionary effort was initiated throughout Spanish "La Florida." Two hundred years before the first Spanish mission in California, Nombre de Dios and over 140 missions stretched from St. Augustine south to the Florida Keys, north to the Chesapeake Bay and west to Pensacola.
In the early 1600's the Spanish settlers established the first shrine to Mary, the Mother of God, in this land under the title Nuestra Señora de la Leche y Buen Parto. The Chapel and beautiful statue are dedicated to motherhood.
The site of America's first Mass is known as the oldest continually used Catholic worship site in the nation. It is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in North America and a perfect place to visit on a road trip. The site has been called "America's Most Sacred Acre."
You can visit the site of Mission Nombre de Dios today. It is a historic and religious landmark and is open to the public. The site features a visitor center, a museum, and the famous "Grotto of Our Lady of La Leche," which is a place of prayer and reflection.
