Blessing of the Fields Educational Event

Tradition continues at the 26th Annual Blessing of the Fields at New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum on Friday, May 15.

• From 10 – 11 a.m., the colorful procession around the Museum grounds begins with the blessing the animals, plants, and acequia.
• Visitors who come to the Museum to participate in the procession will not be charged admission. Admission will be free until 12 p.m.
• The event begins with the Prayer of the Four Directions, led by Patrick Narvaez, Cacique of La Corporación de los Indígenas de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Tortugas, and Tortugas Pueblo.
• Leading the procession will be Most Reverend Peter Baldacchino, Bishop of the Las Cruces Diocese.
• Students from Las Cruces Catholic Schools will be among the participants.
• The San Ysidro bulto (carving) carried during the procession was created by Las Cruces artist Virginia Maria Romero.

This marks the 26th year that the museum has held this program, which focuses on a long and rich history. San Ysidro, the patron saint of farmers, lived from 1070 to 1130. He worked in the fields for a wealthy landowner and was known for his devotion to God, his humility, and his generosity to those less fortunate than him. San Ysidro’s story has been passed down through the generations and still inspires many farmers and their families in the Mesilla Valley. For many years, workers in San Miguel would make a pilgrimage each May, stopping at all the villages along the valley.

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road in Las Cruces. For more information, call (575) 522-4100.