Cacique: A Novel of Florida's Heroic Mission History

by Robert J. Baker, Tony Sands

Beginning in the sixteenth century and continuing for over 100 years, Spanish Franciscans sustained a chain of missions throughout northern Florida. With the mission of Saint Augustine as the spiritual anchor, the Catholic faith penetrated forest and glade and found a home in the hearts of the Potano Indians, a missionary quest termed by Florida historian Michael V. Gannon a great civilizing work of the human spirit.

Cacique is the story of the Potano chieftains and their relationship with the Franciscan missionaries, the first among them Father Tomas Sanchez, whose character is based upon Father Martin Prieto, a 17th century Franciscan missionary to the Potano people. With inner conviction and indefatigable energy, this young inexperienced Franciscan priest brought the Gospel of the Lord and the sacraments of the Church to a people he came to love as his own family, a people who reciprocated that love.

Bishop Robert J. Baker is Bishop of Charleston, South Carolina and Tony Sands is a writer and film maker from California.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Katie Aseltyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and engaging historical fiction based heavily in actual fact of an mostly ignored era in North American history. Since I am Catholic and also live only 10 miles from the location of the lost Mission described in the book, I was especially engaged. Although not perfect or unique story-telling, it nontheless holds your interest. I would recommend that any American or interested party, learn more about the Oldest City in America and the circumstances that contributed to its founding. This information should be taught in our schools. It is here in Florida, but definitely not in the North where I was raised. Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts does not mark the first lasting settlement. A sad tale of a mix of good and nefarious intentions on the part of the European invaders.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragic yet inspirational history of the Catholic Church and Native Americans in Florida.