Fray Angelico Chavez, who died in 1996, is considered the pre-imminent Hispanic historian of New Mexico. The Catholic priest was also an artist and the author of several books including, Origins of New Mexico Families, New Mexico’s bible for genealogists researching their Spanish roots. The Fray Angelico Chavez Library at the Palace of the Governors is named in his honor.
Prolific Writer
During his life Chavez wrote 22 books, including five books of poetry, five Belles Lettres, a novel titled, Our Lady of Toledo, nine historical books and two biographies. His historical books flowed from his heart, backed by reliable research.
This Winter Day
In honor of the Chavez legacy on this first day of winter, here’s a poem he wrote more than seventy years ago entitled “This Winter Day:
A little bird this winter day
Was sitting on a snowy branch,
And all the tree looked right away
Like one big blossom avalanche.
This winter day a little word,
Your own, came by on spritely wing,
And everything was bloom and bird,
And all the blessed day was spring.