From Our Pastor's Desk
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From Our Pastor's Desk
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Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Martyrs “America, as we well know, has ever been a hero worshipping country. Our national heroes, explorers, navigators, soldiers, our great educational leaders, our scientists and poets are enshrined in our halls of fame. But what of our spiritual heroes, our saints, our martyrs…? Have we no care for them, no shrines to their memory? Are they not too worthy of honor?” Bishop John Mark Gannon Chair, Commission for the US Martyrs, 1957 “Our hope is that this place will be a spiritual blessing for many who come to pray and to learn about those who gave their lives to bring and to establish the Faith in our lands.” Chris Stavres President, Martyrs of La Florida Missions Petitioner in the Cause for Beatification Location and Significance of the Site On August 28, 2017, Bishop Bill Wack of Pensacola-Tallahassee, bishop leading the beatification effort, blessed the land and effort. This peaceful land is located along the old mission road, El Camino Real. Primary documents indicate that on or near this land, just west of the land that once was Mission San Pedro y Pablo de Patale , site of the martyrdom of Fr. Mendoza and his native sacristan, the Last Battle was fought and lost for the Catholic Missions and the Faith in Apalachee (Tallahassee). Servant of God, Baltasar Francisco, was captured at this last stand, tied to an outdoor Cross that surrounded the mission plaza, and was tortured and killed. All the while, he proclaimed the Faith from the cross. Following the devastating loss, the missions would fall like dominoes east across El Camino and the voice of the faithful would be silenced. Yet, God remembers His faithful ones and takes delight in his saints. And the land tells a compelling story, not lost on visitors today. On a beautiful afternoon on October 12, 2015 the land hosted the opening of the beatification cause! There is a magnificent home on the back 20 acres that is not part of the design plans for the shrine. The home and 20 acres are available for purchase. We pray that a community or individual buys it to restore it for use as a guest home or ministry. Details can be seen on Mansion And The Oaks.com We will continue next week with Curriculum & Project Martyrs Source: Martyrs - Martyrs of La Florida Missions - Tallahassee, FL Fr. Paschal Chester, SVD Comments are closed.
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January 2025
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