From the Desk of Father Nathan

A Message from Father Nathan

My dearest people closest to my heart!

God bless you and your generous heart.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. The glorious history of Thanksgiving Day dates back to the fall of 1621. The laborers (Pilgrims) received a bountiful harvest after a year of illness and a shortage of food. The event took place in Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts. They showed their gratitude to God and celebrated the occasion with a feast.

America’s First Thanksgiving

Now remembered as America’s “first” Thanksgiving—although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time—the festival lasted for three days. While no record exists of the first Thanksgiving’s exact menu, much of what we know about what happened at the first Thanksgiving comes from Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow, who wrote:

“Our harvest being gotten in, our govenor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together , after we had gathered the fruits or our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest of their greated King Massasoir, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Govenor, and upon the Captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.”

Historians have suggested that many of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods. Because the Pilgrims had no ovens and Mayflower’s sugar supply had dwindled by the fall of 1621, the meal did not feature pies, cakes, or other desserts, which have become a hallmark of contemporary celebrations.

Offical Holiday Declared

On October 28, 1789, the Federal Congress passed a resolution asking the President to acknowledge the day for the first time. Thus, for many years the week of Thanksgiving was altered by different governments. Ultimately, President Roosevelt signed the resolution on December 26, 1941, thus making the third Thursday in November the Federal Thanksgiving Day Holiday. Finally, to clear the confusion, it was moved to the fourth Thursday of November. For more than two centuries, days of Thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil Was, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends

With lots of love and blessings.

Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,

— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan