The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington will commemorate Native American Heritage Month on Nov. 20, 2025, with a gathering at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C. The annual celebration, now in its second year at the shrine, highlights the cultural, historical and spiritual contributions of Native American communities to the life of the Church.
The program reflects the archdiocese’s ongoing commitment to elevating Native voices and acknowledging their role in Catholic history in the United States. It also underscores the shrine’s mission as a place of reflection, evangelization and healing, rooted in the legacy of St. John Paul II, who advocated for the dignity and rights of Indigenous peoples during his papacy.
“Saint John Paul II had a keen sense for the interplay of culture and the Gospel,” said Grattan Brown, director of mission and ministry at the shrine. “He displayed that sense beautifully when visiting and celebrating with Native American peoples, who offered him traditional blessings. In their gestures, he recognized the seeds of the Word present in their cultures. The Saint John Paul II National Shrine is honored to help people reflect back upon these moments of encounter.”
Focus on the Martyrs of La Florida
This year’s program, themed “The Martyrs of La Florida: Lessons on the New Evangelization,” will feature Dr. Mary Soha, vice-postulator for the canonization cause of the Martyrs of La Florida. The cause includes dozens of Indigenous and missionary martyrs who died in the 16th and 17th centuries in present-day Florida.
Dr. Soha will offer a historical and spiritual reflection on how Native communities of that period bore witness to the Gospel amid colonization, conflict and cultural encounter. This early expression is what the Church today calls the New Evangelization. Her presentation will explore how their example informs ongoing conversations on evangelization, reconciliation and intercultural dialogue.
Event Details
The gathering will be held Thursday, Nov. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, 3900 Harewood Road, N.E. in Washington, D.C. The archdiocese has invited clergy, religious, parish staff, educators, lay leaders and all those involved in faith formation and cultural ministries.
Presidents and principals of Catholic schools have been encouraged to attend or to livestream the program on campus, allowing students to learn about the contributions of Native American Catholics.
The program will begin with a welcome from Brown, an opening prayer by Washington Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar, and remarks introducing Dr. Soha. After her presentation and a question-and-answer session, the gathering will conclude with a prayer by Father Henry Sands, executive director of the Black and Indian Mission Office. The final hour will include fellowship and opportunities to visit information tables from the Black and Indian Mission Office, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Native American Affairs Office, the Oblates of the Immaculate Conception and other missionary organizations.
Father David Bailey, recently appointed assistant director for Native American affairs at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is also expected to attend.
Deepening Understanding
Organizers say the event offers “a powerful opportunity to reflect on the intersection of faith, history and culture,” as Catholic ministries continue building relationships with Native communities and honoring their heritage.
The commemoration aims to strengthen dialogue, enrich Catholic education and encourage deeper awareness of the sacrifices, resilience and faith of Native American Catholics.
More information, including the event flyer, livestream link and RSVP form, is available on the Archdiocese of Washington’s event page.
This image is from the poster promoting the Nov. 20 “The Martyrs of La Florida: Lessons on the New Evangelization” program at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, 3900 Harewood Road, N.E. in Washington, D.C.
