First Mass

Natchitoches, Louisiana

1716

LocationNatchitoches
State/TerritoryLouisiana
CountyNatchitoches Parish
Modern DioceseDiocese of Alexandria
Historical DioceseDiocese of Quebec
Date1716
PriestFr. Antonio Margil de Jesus, O.F.M
Religious OrderOrder of Friars Minor (Franciscans)
RiteRoman (Latin) Rite
ExpeditionUnknown
Confidenceconfirmed
Submitted by@_catholicwest

Photos

Spanish Gov marker of first mass from HMDB
Spanish Gov marker of first mass from HMDB

Documentation

Notes

“The first recorded, formal Christian religious service conducted in Nathchitoches was a holy Mass celebrated in 1716 in the open air beneath a large wooden cross. The celebrant, a native of Valencia, Spain, was Venerable Antonio Margil de Jesus, O.F.M of the Zacatecan Missions."

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