The origin of this day is said to come from the Pilgrims who settled at Plymouth rock. The Wampanoag Indians taught these settlers how to farm and hunt. As a deeply religious people, the Pilgrims then had a meal thanking God for the many blessings in this new land. However, the real first Thanksgiving was done by Catholics. Many do not know that the first Thanksgiving was done by Catholics over 50 years before the pilgrims. Native Americans and Spanish settlers had a Feast and Mass in 1565 on September 8th, the feast day of the Birth of Mary. This took place in St. Augustine, Florida. Thanks were given on this day by the Natives and Spanish.
While the day is great, we should always thank God daily for everything, both good and bad. Everything is a blessing whether direct or hidden. The Catholic Church always gives thanks in the Eucharist. The word "Eucharist" means Thanksgiving. We offer out prayers to God, thanking Him while remembering His Son's sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus Christ becomes the bread and wine at Mass not symbolically but literally. The Mass takes place daily throughout the Earth. There is only one day where Mass is not said and that is on Good Friday. So before the Pilgrims, Catholics have been having Thanksgiving, not with comfort food, but with The Bread of Life.
Let us Thank God for everything, not just on this last Thursday of November, but daily; whether at Holy Mass, work, school or at home.
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