Community Meals Remind Island Residentsof True Meaning of Thanksgiving Celebration

While many people are busy buying their turkeys and getting their cranberry sauce ready, there are two community meals that will remind everyone of the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Cruz Bay is offering its yearly Thanksgiving luncheon at 12 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, November 23, at the church.

The tradition has been happening at the church for years, and has grown into a whole new meaning, explained Father Crespo.

“This started many, many years ago, well before I got here,” Crespo said. “The original intention was to provide something for the most needy of our community. Over the years, however, it has mushroomed into a community meal.”

Reminding people to be thankful for all they have, the Catholic Church luncheon is a way to connect many facets of the community, Crespo continued.

Unique Thanksgiving Meal
“It is probably the most unique Thanksgiving anyone will have,” said Crespo. “We invite everyone to come. We end up having homeless people, area workers, tourists and members of our congregation sitting at the same table enjoying the holiday together.”

St. Ursula’s Church and Multi-purpose Center representatives are taking advantage of the holiday to thank three very special people in the community.

The St. Ursula’s Multi-purpose Center, under the direction of Mr. Sipio, is hosting a pre-Thanksgiving luncheon Wednesday, November 22, starting around 10:30 a.m.

Honoring Community Supporters
Alecia Wells, chairwoman of the Public Services Commission, Esperenza Pickering, manager at FirstBank, and Aldria Harley-Wade, Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen’s assistant, will be honored at the luncheon.

“All three of these women are committed to community service,” said Sipio. “They support the seniors and the center down here and are always there for us. Anything that I ask for, they come through for us.”

So, this Thanksgiving stop by one of the community gatherings to remind yourself just what the holiday is all about.