Thanksgiving in the United States: A Catholic Perspective

 

As Thanksgiving approaches in the U.S., I’d like to explore it from a Catholic perspective. This uniquely American holiday presents a meaningful opportunity for Catholics to reflect on gratitude as a core element of their faith, recognizing the blessings from God and gathering in a spirit of thankfulness. By looking at Thanksgiving through the lens of Catholic teachings, we can deepen our understanding of gratitude and the role it plays in both our personal lives and faith communities.

Thanksgiving in the United States: A Catholic Perspective

Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is a cherished American holiday that traditionally focuses on gratitude, family gatherings, and feasting. While its historical roots are often traced to the 1621 feast between the Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts, the Catholic Church recognizes Thanksgiving as an opportunity to reflect on gratitude as a key virtue in Christian life. The Catholic Church views Thanksgiving as a time to express thanks to God for His blessings, offering a moment for families and communities to come together in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving.

Although Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday in the liturgical calendar, many Catholics attend Mass to offer prayers of gratitude, and the holiday’s emphasis on thankfulness aligns closely with Catholic teachings. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops encourages Catholics to attend Mass and reflect on the many blessings they have received, following the example of Christ, who gave thanks at the Last Supper.

The "Actual First Thanksgiving" in New Spain

Some historians argue that the first Thanksgiving in what is now the United States did not occur in Plymouth in 1621 but rather in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565, when Spanish settlers and Native American converts held a feast and celebrated the first Mass of Thanksgiving on American soil. The Mass, a central part of Catholic worship, was celebrated by Spanish settlers led by Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. This event marks an earlier moment of thanksgiving, where Catholics and Native Americans came together in gratitude, worship, and fellowship.

Similarly, Catholic thanksgiving celebrations were held in New Mexico in 1598, when Don Juan de Oñate and Spanish settlers gave thanks to God upon their safe arrival in the region. Mass was celebrated, followed by a communal meal with the Indigenous peoples.

These early Thanksgiving events, rooted in Catholic liturgy and tradition, reflect the deep connection between faith, gratitude, and community. While they are lesser-known compared to the 1621 Plymouth feast, they demonstrate that the Catholic Church was integral to early expressions of thanksgiving on the American continent.

Conclusion

For Catholics in the United States, Thanksgiving is more than just a secular holiday. It is a time to reflect on gratitude and to remember the role of the Church in early American history, including the Catholic Masses of thanksgiving that predate the more widely celebrated Pilgrim feast. Whether celebrating in Plymouth, St. Augustine, or New Mexico, the core of Thanksgiving remains the same: a heartfelt expression of gratitude to God for His many blessings.