Almost 800 Hispanic Catholics from all over the diocese came together Saturday, Sept. 8, in Vineland as part of the Camden Diocese’s 75vo Aniversario: Llena de Gracia (75th Anniversary: Full of Grace) celebration at Divine Mercy Parish Hall.
Held from 2-5 p.m., the event brought together Hispanics representing all 21 of the Latin American countries in the world who showcased their heritage and love of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the diocese.
The ceremony began with traditional dances that reflected the various Hispanic cultures, and next was the procession into the parish hall of flags and devotions (pictures, statues) of the different Marian advocations of each Latin American country, e.g. La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre is revered by Cubans, while Mexican Catholics worship Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The celebratory day ended with a Mass. Bishop Joseph A. Galante delivered the homily in Spanish, talking about the growth of the Latin American community in South Jersey, and the ability of Hispanics to share their faith and become evangelizers in their community.
Msgr. Victor Muro, pastor of Divine Mercy, was the celebrant.
The day “demonstrated the diversity of our Hispanic traditions,” said Andres Arango, bishop’s delegate and director of evangelization for the diocese. He added that “we are all Latinos from different areas of the world, but are now united in America, and in the Holy Spirit.”
Arango also noted that of the 70 parishes in the Camden Diocese, 25 have active Hispanic Ministries.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”