The Gift of the Pueblo

Happy Canada Day! One of the outings arranged for our group while at the Water and A Baptismal Life course was to the Ohkay Ohwingeh Pueblo. The Pueblo natives of New Mexico did not surrendered their lands to an occupying power, nor did they relinquish their languages, so they were never put on reservations or reserves.

This pueblo was formerly known as San Juan, after John the Baptist. We went very early on June 24th, St. John the Baptist day, to the local church named after him for the blessing of the waters. The priest and the deacons led a procession to the Rio Grande river which involved many locals, including women carrying figures of the saints. Water was drawn from the river and used to bless everyone present.

Later in the morning dancers, perhaps two hundred or more, filled the plaza or square and did traditional dances. Some looked to be as young as four or five, and all were in full regalia. It is thrilling when so many people turn and dance directly toward you. Between dances they go to the same river for ceremonial cleansing.

Because it was a feast day many residents opened their homes to visitors at noon for a meal. I went to a home where they fed me generously with dishes I couldn't identify, but were delicious nonetheless. Marvellous hospitality.

Virtually every religious tradition includes the ceremonial use of water. Do you think that we would be more respectful of water if we revived a deeper sense of its sacramental quality?