St Francis de Paula Community Celebrates 139th Consecutive Fiesta
Photos Courtesy of: Cynthia D. Prelo-Riedlinger: (1) Los Danzantes, (2) Round Mountain
Story by: Cynthia D. Prelo-Riedlinger
Trustworthy enough to set your watch, the mission bells at St Francis De Paula Mission church in Tularosa New Mexico ring daily at 6 am, noon, 6 pm and always a half hour before mass. The rhythm of the bells coincide with the heart beat of a community that echo a symbolic message of tradition, faith and commitment as members of the church and community prepare to celebrate their 139th Fiesta del San Francisco de Paula May 10th through May 13th. This year, the fiesta will be dedicated in memory of Brother Augustine. “Brother Gus”, was born in Newark, New Jersey and moved to San Diego California in 1942 to work as an aircraft machinist. In 1947 he joined the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans and became an integral part of St. Francis de Paula Mission in Tularosa for more than 30 years. Brother Gus retired and lived in Santa Barbara, California until his passing on January 15th, 2007. Fulfilling his request, Brothers body was returned to Tularosa and was buried in Tularosa’s Sacred Heart Cemetery.
The fiesta is a part of “La Promesa Solemne” made by the Tularosa citizens in 1868 if they were permitted to survive in the historical Battle of Round Mountain which occurred on April 17, 1868. La Promesa Solemne honors St. Francis de Paula as early parishioners vowed to hold a “funcion” in homage to honor the saint for deliverance from the battle which some historians believe brought peace to the valley of Tularosa. According to early church history, a group of people gathered at the church during the battle and as they prayed and recited “La Promesa Solemne”, asking for intercession from the saint, a loud terrible roar shook the church, shattering the glass of the picture of St. Francis, sending what was believed to be an ominous message that all was not well. Their faith was restored when the settlers returned from the battle.
In earlier days, the oil painting of St. Francis de Paula was occasionally carried in procession to Round Mountain as a symbol of devotion and faith. The painting was brought to Tularosa by the Don Jose Maria Bernal family. This year, in a symbolic gesture of oneness and peace, individuals from St. Joseph’s Mission in Mescalero, New Mexico and St. Francis de Paula Mission will meet at the Round Mountain on Thursday May 10th at 6:00 p.m. for a recitation of the rosary in celebration of atonement and the alliance of all people. The coronation of Queen Kayla Vigil will be Friday May 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Tularosa American Legion Hall. Kayla is a senior at Tularosa High School, and was a member of the volleyball team. Kayla will be attending NMSUA this fall, and plans to pursue a career in Nursing. She is the daughter of Jimmy and Frances Vigil. A dance will follow the coronation from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight. Music will be provided by Tobias Rene.
The function will continue on Saturday May 12th with a 5:00 mass and a procession around the church. Lead by El Capitan de la Danza Freddy Leal, Los Danzantez will honor and pay tribute to San Francisco de Paula. Los Danzantez will also dance in honor of grandmother and parish matriarch, Mercedes Rocha who is considered La Madre de la Danza. The Tularosa Spanish Choir under the direction of Mrs. Cecelia Garcia will sing Las Mañanitas on Sunday May 13th at 7:30 a.m. followed by mass at 8:00. A procession from the church to the fiesta grounds will begin at 12 noon followed by an afternoon of entertainment, food, and games at the St. Francis school yard one block behind the church. There is no charge to any of the events and the public is invited to attend. This years’ theme is “Family Friendly”. The committee and fiesta planners have decided to make the event more affordable by reducing the cost of food, beverages, and games so that it will be within everyone’s budget.
This year the Mayordomos are Sonya and Kevin Gililland, Doug and Kim Hobson, Liz Chavez and Pete Rocha, Linda Cavazos and David Jaramillo, Debbie Gonzales and Chris Mendez, Nick and Diane Oberlander, Gilbert and Jennifer Gaston. The Fiesta Committee Members are Lillian Duran, Kim Chavez, Jessica Gaston, Jason Ramos, and Flora Gonzales. Fiesta committee chairman Juan L. Maes believes the fiesta is a celebration of family friendship and the unification of all people. “We’re trying to bond back as people”, he said. “We’ll pray for our beloved past and the people on both sides”. The fiesta, as it is known today places emphasis on religious importance and commemorates the history, heritage, tradition and faith of the Tularoseños, and the memory of the first founders of Tularosa whose strength and perseverance laid the foundation for the existing community. For more information about the fiesta you may contact Juan L. Maes at 430-3286.
