With the second session of Chapter beginning yesterday, the friars had the opportunity to celebrate their opening Mass with the Tigua at Ysleta Mission in El Paso, Texas.
Bishop Seitz with Fr. Wayne Hellmann (left) and Fr. Miguel Briseno (right)
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is a U.S. federally-recognized Native American tribe and sovereign nation. The tribal community is known as “Tigua.” The friars have had the privilege of serving Ysleta Mission and the Tigua since 1991.
The Tigua have “La Salida” on June 4, when they go throughout the neighborhood begging for food and money in preparation for the Feast of St. Anthony on June 13. Yesterday at 5:30 am, the friars traveled by bus to the Mission where they gathered at the homes of the Mayordomos for breakfast and preparation of the four statues of St. Anthony that were to be carried out on the Salida. The friars then walked to the Mission Church to celebrate Mass with the Most Reverend Mark Seitz, Bishop of El Paso. After Mass the friars had to head back for a day of meetings, while the Tigua departed in the four directions to seek help for the upcoming feast.
To learn a little more about Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, listen to our Franciscan Voice podcast episode with Fr. Miguel.
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