The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum will celebrate an old tradition with the annual Blessing of the Fields procession on Friday, May 13.
At 10 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 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. will not be charged admission.
The event begins with the Prayer of the Four Directions, led by Patrick Narvaez, and Cacique of Corporacion de los Indigines de Nuestra Senora 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 bulto carried during the procession was created by Las Cruces artist Virginia Maria Romero. Other Museum art and objects related to San Ysidro and the Blessing of the Fields tradition from the Museum’s collection will be on display, including a large wooden statue of San Ysidro.
The Museum will also have a plant sale as part of the festivities. Vegetables, flowers and desert plants grown in the Museum’s greenhouse will be featured in the sale.
This marks the 22nd year that the Museum has held this program, which focuses on a long and rich history.
