pilgrims – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)

We just observed Thanksgiving, the holiday started by the Pilgrims in 1621.

As we know, the Pilgrims emigrated to the Plymouth colony in Massachusetts and shared a harvest feast with the Native American Indians who had helped them.

Why they came

The Pilgrims came from England to America primarily to be able to practice their religious faith freely.

Over the centuries, people from many other parts of the world have come to the United States. My own ancestors hailed primarily from Ireland, Germany, and Belgium.

Editorial

On November 25, 2015February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Remember spirit of the first Thanksgiving

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we might want to reflect on the origins of that national holiday.

The pilgrims observed what we consider the first Thanksgiving to thank God for the blessings they received during their first year in America.

Why did the pilgrims come to this new land in the first place? The answer to that question has some bearing on our current discussions about whether to accept refugees from other countries.

Around the Diocese

On July 24, 2014

Kevin Wondrash, Catholic Herald Staff

Pro-life cross country walkers stop in Madison

MADISON — A group of eight young adults attended 6:30 a.m. Mass on a recent Monday morning at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Madison.

They were noticeably distinctive, wearing neon green T-shirts saying “PRO LIFE” in big letters.

The young men and women were one of three groups of pilgrims in the United States with Crossroads — an effort to walk across the country “To witness to the dignity and sanctity of every human life, especially the unborn,” according to its website.

Around the Diocese

On July 17, 2014

Cathy Lins, For the Catholic Herald

Black Madonna icon visits Madison

MADISON — The pilgrim icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa (also known as the Black Madonna), a replica of the original icon found in the Jasna Gora monastery in Poland, was in Madison recently as part of an historic pilgrimage in the movement to build a culture of life.

On June 19, the Black Madonna was on display on the sidewalk outside of the Planned Parenthood Clinic on Orin Rd. for an afternoon prayer vigil and at an evening Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Monona.

Editorial

On November 27, 2013February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, Catholic Herald Staff

Religious roots of Thanksgiving: Let’s not forget that we are one nation under God

Just as may be happening with Christmas, the religious aspects of our Thanksgiving holiday may also be fading in the United States with a growing secularization in our society.

That’s why it is important for us as Catholics to reflect upon the religious roots of Thanksgiving and perhaps to bring them up in discussions during our holiday observances at appropriate times.

Facts about the first Thanksgiving

It might be good for all of us to review facts about the first Thanksgiving. Most of us know that the Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrated the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth Rock in gratitude for a good harvest.

WYD: Seeing the world through pilgrim’s eyes

A pilgrimage, in its most basic sense, is a journey. But it is far more than that — often undertaken as a form of penance or as a way to spiritually strengthen oneself, a pilgrimage is a test of one’s faith, endurance, and dedication to God.

Editorial

On November 26, 2009February 15, 2022

Mary C. Uhler, editor

Keeping the faith in Thanksgiving

In an attempt to be “inclusive” and not to offend anyone, our society these days seems to be emphasizing the secular nature of our holidays and avoiding any mention of religion.

That’s perhaps why we often see turkeys pictured instead of Pilgrims at Thanksgiving time. That’s why, too, we see the term “holiday” trees used instead of Christmas trees.