On this day in 1492, the day on which they were to give up, the lookout aboard the Santa Maria cried out, “Tierra! Tierra!”
An exhausted Columbus was barely able to make out the low silhouette in the darkness. He named the land San Salvador (Holy Savior), and would later write:
“I am a most unworthy sinner, but I have cried out to the Lord for grace and mercy and they have covered me completely. I have found the sweetest consolation since I made it my whole purpose to enjoy His marvelous presence…No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Savior, if it is just and if the intention is purely for His holy service.”