About fifteen years ago, the late Dr. John Hann, then historian at the archaeological site of Mission San Luis in Tallahassee, excitedly told me that of the Apalachee nation, commonly thought to be extinct, a chief had been located in Louisiana. I found that to be great news, but I did not think I would ever have the pleasure of meeting this person.
When I arrived in Tallahassee on October 11, 2015 at a dinner at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Mangan on the eve of the canonical proceedings for the Cause of the Martyrs of La Florida (largely Apalachee Indians), I was amazed to learn that Chief Gilmer Bennett, his family, and other Apalachee Indians were among the many invited guests.
As I came upon a group of the guests, Mrs. Lynn Mangan pointed out the chief, sitting quietly, but very dignified in his wheelchair. I approached a person nearby who happened to be his daughter and asked her to introduce me to the chief. I greeted Chief Bennett then asked him if he would like to receive a blessing, the high priestly blessing found in the Hebrew Scriptures, Numbers 6:24-26, a blessing very dear to St. Francis.
The chief consented and I fervently prayed over him this beautiful blessing:
May the LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
May the LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
Today our world is becoming more and more “secular,” which seems to mean leaving the “Creator” of the world completely out of the question of the meaning of life itself. In this environment many may wonder whether or not the mysterious originating force of the world and its peoples has any personal concern for their individual lives. What chance has any human being of gaining the personal attention of the One responsible for the existence of untold billions of human beings?
However, in this Biblical blessing, the LORD God directed the Hebrew high priest to impart the Lord’s most personal regard to each member of His human family:
Bless – A share in His perfect holiness;
Keep – Concern for personal safety;
Look upon – A two-fold loving and very special gaze on each person.
It seemed to me that the 83 year-old Apalachee chieftain received this sacred blessing also in a deeply personal manner.
The venerable chief had just left the hospital in Louisiana to lead his companions to this canonical opening of the Cause of the early Martyrs of Spanish La Florida. At this event, led by four bishops and attended by hundreds of the faithful, he was elated to see his devout and heroic Catholic ancestors being recognized and properly honored by their Church. Perhaps this day was a crowning glory of the chief’s life.
Not long after I returned to St. Petersburg, I received word that Chief Gilmer Bennett had passed away shortly following his return home. May he rest in peace, Amen.
*photo courtesy Rev. Thomas K. Murphy, OFM