With the observance of Columbus Day on Oct. 13, we are invited to reflect on the significance of the holiday in the context of our Catholic faith.
Columbus Day, which marks Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, offers an opportunity to reflect on both the historical legacy and the call to justice, charity, and unity that defines our Catholic vocation.
In the Diocese of Brooklyn, which encompasses the vibrant Italian-American communities of Brooklyn and Queens, Columbus Day is recognized with the closure of Catholic academies, parish schools, and other diocesan offices.
This pause in daily operations allows the community to honor the holiday’s historical roots while engaging in meaningful reflection.
The 43rd Annual Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade, organized by the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn, will take place on Oct. 11, beginning with a pre-parade Mass at St. Athanasius Church. This celebration, deeply rooted in the Italian-American heritage that enriches our diocese, underscores the contributions of immigrants to our faith and culture.
As Catholics, we approach Columbus Day with a dual lens: gratitude for the historical events that opened the Americas to evangelization and acknowledgment of the complex consequences that followed.
Columbus, a Catholic explorer, sailed under the patronage of Spain’s Catholic monarchs, driven by a desire to spread the Gospel alongside his quest for new trade routes. His voyages in 1492 marked a pivotal moment, leading to the spread of Christianity in the New World. Yet, we cannot ignore the profound suffering endured by indigenous peoples, including exploitation and loss of life, as a result of European colonization.
The Church calls us to hold all these truths in the same thought. In his 1992 address marking the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage, St. John Paul II emphasized the need for an “honest and objective evaluation” of this history. He acknowledged the missionary zeal that accompanied exploration while urging Catholics to seek forgiveness for the sins committed against indigenous populations. This perspective invites us in the diocese to approach Columbus Day with humility, recognizing both the spread of faith and the need for reconciliation with those who suffered.
In recent years, Columbus Day has also been observed alongside Indigenous Peoples’ Day in some parts of the city, reflecting a growing awareness of the need to honor the dignity of native communities.
As Catholics, we are called to embrace this dialogue. The Church’s teachings, rooted in the sanctity of every human life, compel us to advocate for justice and solidarity with all peoples, especially those marginalized by history.
The Gospel demands that we listen to the voices of our indigenous brothers and sisters, fostering healing through charity and mutual respect.
This Columbus Day, let us gather in our parishes to pray for unity and reconciliation. Let us celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our Italian-American community while committing to a faith that seeks justice for all.
As we enjoy the festivities of the Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade or reflect quietly in our homes, may we ask for the grace to live out the Church’s mission: to be a beacon of hope, drawing all people closer to Christ through love and understanding.
In the diocese, let this Columbus Day be a moment to recommit to our Catholic values. Gratitude for God’s providence, repentance for past wrongs, and a resolve to build a future where every person is cherished as a child of God.