First Mass

Bradenton, Florida

May 25, 1539

LocationBradenton
State/TerritoryFlorida
CountyManatee
Modern DioceseDiocese of Venice
Historical DioceseUnorganized
DateMay 25, 1539
Priest12 Priests (Unknown)
RiteRoman (Latin) Rite
ExpeditionHernando De Soto Expedition
Confidenceconfirmed
Submitted by@eligilly10

Photos

Holy Eucharist Monument (wide view from beach)
Holy Eucharist Monument (wide view from beach)

Documentation

Notes

"Hernando De Soto brought priests to Florida in an attempt to evangelize the native tribes during an exploration of the coast from 1539-1542. DeSoto led an expedition of 10 ships and 620 men, which included 12 priests. They landed near present-day Bradenton on May 25, 1539. Mass was celebrated almost every day by the expedition priests. Later, when DeSoto landed at Shaw’s Point near the mouth of Tampa Bay, the men were so taken with the peace and beauty of the water that they named it “La Bahia de Espiritu Santo,” in honor of the Holy Spirit."

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