Visiting the Azores Home of their Ancestors
Tag: Azores
Coming to America 65 Years ago
Today marks 65 years that I came to America. I celebrate this day with thanks to my parents and their struggle to come here, and make a better life for our family. Back in those days you needed a sponsor, and guaranteed work, so my father was on a fishing vessel, two weeks after we landed, headed to the Grand Banks.
In 1963 my parents save enough money to re-pay their debts, here and in the Azores. My parents decide to take me back to the Azores to let me see how we lived; I was 15 and becoming (American-Spoiled). Below is a whale hunt my father took me on, he had been a whale harpooner in the Azores. Below is the 8mm film I took during that adventure. Enjoy
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Visitors from Out of State
Couple enjoy a walk on the Lucy Brown Davis Pathway, on a very cloudy day.
They had plans to visit the Azorean, his ancestors were from San Miguel Azores.
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Celebrating 63 Years in the USA Today
This day March 23rd, I celebrate my arrival in Gloucester in 1954 from Lajes do Pico Azores.
Many thanks to my parents Anibal and Adelina for all their scarifies bringing our family to this great country.
Photo of my parents as God Parents during a christening in 1969.
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OUR BEAUTIFUL LADY OF GOOD VOYAGE CHURCH
Blue-eyed Our Lady 
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church in the morning sun
Our Lady of Good Voyage was designed to resemble the Church of Santa Maria Magdalena on the island of Pico in the Azores. The west tower houses one of the oldest collections of carillon bells in the nation. The community is treated to a concert of the bells of Good Voyage on Tuesday evenings during the warmer months.
The above photo is of the original Our Lady, which now lives on at the Cape Ann Museum. She was shared by Anita Coullard Dziedzic.
Excerpt from the Maritime History of Gloucester
“Originally dedicated in 1893, Our Lady of Good Voyage was built for the Portuguese community in Gloucester, after they petitioned the Roman Catholic Church for the establishment of a place to worship dedicated to the Madonna. Large numbers of Portuguese immigrants migrated from the rugged Azores Islands and began settling around Gloucester’s Inner Harbor as early as 1829 to work in the city’s active fishing industry. By 1888, approximately 200 Portuguese families lived in Gloucester making it the largest Portuguese colony on the East Coast. According to the story of Our Lady of Good Voyage, a stranded fisherman in the rough Atlantic Ocean broke one of his oars and could not return to his homeport. He sought help from the Madonna and the sea miraculously calmed allowing him to reach port safely.”
Church of Santa Maria Magdalena, Madalena, Pico Island, Azores, Portugal
Church of Santa Maria Magdalena photo courtesy Google image search.
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Wicked Tuna–Capt. Bill Muniz of The “Lilly” Lands a Big One
Captain Muniz the Gloucester star on Wicked Tuna, lands a Tuna the hard way with a harpoon, just like his Portuguese ancestors from the Azores. Also see Capt. Muniz prepare his tools of the trade.
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For my Azorean Friends – Festas das Lajes do Pico
Gloucester has a strong tie to the Azores, I hope you enjoy.
A video of the Festival of Lajes do Pico where I was born… parade of old traditions.
Festas das Lajes do Pico
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Our Lady of Good Voyage modeled after Azorean Church
The current church was built in 1914, after the original church burned down.
The church was modeled after the Santa Maria Madelena church in Madelena, Pico, Azores, shown above in a mid 1900 circa post card.
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Mendy Garron and Family Represent! In Sao Miguel, Azores
Hi Joey,
My family and I recently returned from a fabulous trip to Sao Miguel, Azores. Attached is a picture of Jim and Odin representing near Lomba de Sao Pedro (meaning the Hill of Saint Peter), which we thought was appropriate for the Gloucester followers! I have included a few more pictures of the beautiful scenery. It is an absolutely amazing place!
All the best,
Mendy Garron
Good Morning Gloucester 