The First Thanksgiving Was Catholic

When you hear the words “the First Thanksgiving,” you probably picture Pilgrims in black hats and buckles gathering with Native Americans in 1621.

While that was a very real moment of gratitude - it wasn’t the first Thanksgiving in what is now the United States.

The earliest recorded Thanksgiving celebration in our country actually took place over 50 years earlier… and it was entirely Catholic. 

September 8, 1565 - St. Augustine, Florida

Before the Mayflower ever sailed, Spanish explorers led by Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés arrived on the shores of Florida. The very first thing they did wasn’t build homes…

They attended Holy Mass.

It was the Feast of the Nativity of Mary - Our Lady’s birthday - and Fr. Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales offered a solemn Mass of thanksgiving to God for their safe arrival and new mission land.

Afterward, they shared a celebratory meal with the Timucua Native people, including pork stew, ship biscuits, and citrus -  certainly different from turkey and stuffing, but the spirit of gratitude was the same. And it centered entirely on the Eucharist -  the ultimate thanksgiving.

The word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word “eucharistia,” meaning thanksgiving.

What Does This Mean?

This moment reveals a beautiful truth:

The roots of American history are deeply Catholic.

The first prayer lifted on U.S. soil in thanksgiving to God was a Catholic prayer.

The first communal celebration of gratitude was centered around the Holy Mass.

Even the first bond of peace with Indigenous people was formed over a shared meal -  a foreshadowing of what Christ desires for all humanity.

Thanksgiving Is Always Eucharistic

Though the modern holiday has grown into food, football, and fall décor - gratitude remains at its heart.

As Catholics, we’re invited to bring our celebration back to where it began:
• Thank God publicly for His blessings
• Turn to Our Lady - the feast day connected to that first Thanksgiving
• Let the Eucharist shape our gratitude
• Share with those around us, especially those in need

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Lord, You have blessed us beyond measure. Make our hearts grateful and our hands generous. May our lives proclaim Your goodness - today and always. Amen.

May this Thanksgiving fill your home and heart with peace - and may we never forget:
America’s first Thanksgiving began at the altar.
And Christ remains the reason for our greatest thanks.