Joanes or the Basque Whaler: Priest of Pirates

The final book in the Joanes or the Basque Whaler trilogy! By Guillermo Zubiaga   The Church was an important patron of commercial whaling, and had great economic links with the industry. The first testimony referring to the Basque whaling industry goes back to the year 670 A.D. when Basques from Labourd shipped 40 barrels of whale oil for lighting to the Abby of Jumieges, on the banks of the river Seine, France. Later in 875 A.D. another reference to Basque whaling was Made in the Translations and miracles of Saint Waast. The church of Santa Maria de Lekeitio, built in the XVIth century, is a noteworthy example of the late Biscay Gothic style. The town of Lekeitio became a booming whaling and privateering port throughout the middle ages and the Renaissance. Bayonne’s cathedral, Sainte-Marie, was entirely funded by its whaling industry.   In the Basque Country alone there are 3 skull chalices. These Chalices are relics of 3 saints and are used as sacred goblets , filled with sacramenta