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
Set up Online Giving.
You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring gifts.
Join our Parish Family
Register in the parish, so that it’s easy to become a confirmation sponsor or Godparent.
Want to Lend a Helping Hand?
Find volunteer opportunities and share your talents.
Need a Helping Hand?
We are here to help. Request home visits, send a prayer request. For urgent needs call 954.943.3684
Past Messages from Father Nathan
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 10, 2023
Saint John Chrysostom was a convert, a holy deacon, an influential priest, an exceptionally consequential Archbishop, and a prolific writer…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 03, 2023
“Our Lady of Good Health” is Our Lady of Vailanganni, popularly known in southern India. We will remember her miracles on September 9th with a special mass and celebration.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | August 27, 2023
Aug. 28 is the memorial of St. Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church. He’s one of the most influential Church Fathers and theologians in history.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | August 13, 2023
Holy Days of Obligation | The Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains holy days of obligation this way:
Family needs or important social services can legitimately excuse the obligation of Sunday rest (specified in the Fourth Commandment). The faithful should see that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health {CCC 2185}.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | August 06, 2023
St. Clare’s feast day is August 11th. Known as the patron saint of television because when she was able to see and hear mass on the wall of her room.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | July 30 2023
August 4th we celebrate the feast of St. John Vianney who is the patron saint of priests – a French priest, a renowned confessor with supernatural powers. Baptiste-Marie Vianney, also called Cure d’Ars, (born May 8, 1786, Dardillly, France—died August 4, 1859, Ars, canonized May 31, 1925, feast day August 4 (formerly August 9), a French priest who was renowned as a confessor and for his supernatural powers.