NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) – Community members gathered in Nacogdoches Saturday to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Venerable Antonio Margil de Jesus, a Catholic missionary credited with founding missions across East Texas and helping establish the city of Nacogdoches.<\/p>\n
The day-long celebration included a pilgrimage, historical reenactments and a bilingual Mass. Sounds of hymns and group prayer filled downtown throughout the event.<\/p>\n
\u2018The Apostle of Texas\u2019<\/p>\n
Father George Elliot, pastor of Catholic Nacogdoches, said Father Margil is recognized as \u201cthe Apostle of Texas because he founded missions through East Texas and really was the first person to bring Christianity to this area.\u201d<\/p>\n
Elliot said the anniversary carries deep significance for the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 300th anniversary means that, you know, it\u2019s been genuinely centuries, generations of Christians here in Nacogdoches,\u201d Elliot said. \u201cWe speak of Nacogdoches as the oldest town in Texas, we\u2019ve been living here and sharing that community for so many years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pilgrimage ends at site of recorded miracle<\/p>\n
To honor Father Margil\u2019s historical and spiritual impact, the community began the day with a 45-minute pilgrimage through Nacogdoches. The walk ended at the site known as the Eyes of Father Margil \u2014 the location where, according to historical accounts, he drew water from a rock during a Nacogdoches drought.<\/p>\n
Joe Nemec attended the event with his brother and said visiting the site was a highlight.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to see with our own eyes the miracle,\u201d Nemec said. \u201cThe water is still flowing after 300 years, more than 310 years. So, that\u2019s pretty incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nemec said being part of a larger gathering made the experience meaningful.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s been people all from across the state that have come out here,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd so it\u2019s really amazing to be part of a community that all want the same thing, you know, and are all working and able to have a party and have a good time celebrating the cause and Father Margil.\u201d<\/p>\n
City declares \u2018Antonio Margil de Jesus Day\u2019<\/p>\n
City leaders declared Saturday \u201cAntonio Margil de Jesus Day\u201d and said they hope to create a visitors center devoted solely to Father Margil.<\/p>\n
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