PHOTO ESSAY

Blessing of the Fields

Cultures join to honor the past and welcome the water

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The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum celebrated an old tradition with the annual Blessing of the Fields procession on Friday, May 13. At 10 a.m. The colorful procession around the Museum grounds begins with the blessing the animals, plants and acequia. 

The event began with the Prayer of the Four Directions, led by Patrick Narvaez, and Cacique of Corporacion de los Indigines de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de Tortugas and Tortugas Pueblo.

The procession included the Most Reverend Peter Baldacchino, Bishop of the Las Cruces Diocese along with tudents from Las Cruces Catholic Schools. The bulto carried during the procession was created by Las Cruces artist Virginia Maria Romero.

This marks the 22nd year  the Museum  held this program, which focuses on a long and rich history.

San Ysidro, the patron saint of farmers, lived from 1070 to 1130. He worked in the fields for a wealthy landowner and was known for his devotion to God, his humility, and his generosity to those less fortunate than him. The story of San Ysidro has been passed down through the generations and still inspires many farmers and their families in the Mesilla Valley. For many years, workers in San Miguel, would make a pilgrimage each May, stopping at all the villages along the valley.


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