Commonwealth Policy Center

In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue and discovered America. We all learned that in grade school and today we celebrate his discovery of the new world. Of course, Columbus was the first European to discover North America. But we don’t hear so much about his faith. Columbus’ journal reveals his deep Christian faith and his reliance upon God. He begins the journal of his first voyage “In the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ….” He and his crew would sing hymns while onboard. And when he met the natives, his heart was to convert them to the Christian faith.  Columbus planted a large cross at the entrance of the harbor, “as a token of Jesus Christ our Lord, and the honor of Christianity.” Columbus was a great navigator, but it was his faith that guided him through life.