By Jennifer Mauro, Managing Editor
and Peter G. Sánchez, Staff Writer
For Yolanda López, discipleship is at the heart of why she loves coming together with fellow Catholics every year for the diocesan Hispanic Celebration.
“We have to spread the Word. What better way to do that than in community?” said López, of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Galloway, one of the 660 faithful to join Bishop Dennis Sullivan, fellow clergy, and religious women and men for the annual celebration held Oct. 8 at Divine Mercy Parish, Vineland.
With the theme “New Missionary Disciples Transformed by the Eucharist,” the afternoon began with festive music, followed by catechesis from noted Catholic speaker María José Galván; a vocations talk by Father Adam Cichoski, diocesan vocations director; a procession of banners representing parish Hispanic ministries in the Diocese; Mass celebrated by Bishop Sullivan, and traditional Hispanic food served in the parish hall.
“It is always a joy to see the Hispanic Catholic community of South Jersey come together as one diocesan family,” said Andrés Arango, Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and director of evangelization for the Diocese of Camden. “Bishop Sullivan was amazing in motivating the community to be new missionary disciples, nourished and transformed by the Eucharist. It was wonderful to see so many children, youth and families together.”
As a mother of three and soon-to-be-grandmother, López agreed that it was inspiring to see all generations of faithful filling the pews.
“In the Hispanic culture, you will often see families together – babies, kids, parents, grandparents,” said López, who also served as a lector during the Mass. “This is something we grow up with, and it’s how I grew up, too. When you are young, you may not want to go to church, but your parents make you go. Once you become a mom or dad, you understand why you need to be there. The faith unifies the family.”
She continued, “I always say to my kids, ‘Faith is not only for when you feel upset or something bad happens. Talk to God when you’re happy, too. Talk to Him from the moment you wake up in the morning until you go to bed at night. Let Him know what you’re doing.’”
That message was among the sentiments shared by José Galván, a psychologist specializing in family sciences, during her catechesis talk.
“In the face of any challenge we may face, we will always find answers and resources, both emotional and spiritual, in the Holy Eucharist,” she said. “Jesus understands and cares for our needs, and being with him transforms our lives as missionary disciples for this time in which we are witnesses of his grace and love.“
Teresa López of Divine Mercy Parish was one such witness. One of the banner-bearers for her faith community during the liturgy’s procession of parishes, she also keeps busy as a lector, catechist and member of the parish council.
She said she appreciated seeing the smiles and joy radiating from her fellow attendees during the day and while she served them rice, beans and chicken during the meal after Mass.
“The fact that they were coming in, and we could make them feel at home, was pleasing to me,” she said, adding, “Seeing the faith community come together for the day, to build up the Kingdom of God, was awesome.”
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
