Deacon Pirateque finds faith in the fields

As a transitional deacon assigned to Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, I was blessed to participate in moments of grace in the rural part of our Diocese. 

Spanish-speaking people, mostly from Mexico, gathered for Holy Mass on the farms. These were only men, and they spent their day picking vegetables and working the fields. It is very hot, and it is very hard work that these men do to bring food to our tables. The Holy Sacrifice of Mass was offered in Spanish, and I was privileged to preach the homily and to serve at the Mass.

I served two Masses, and then the third encounter was a Liturgy of the Word. This gave me the opportunity to engage with the men more deeply. I asked them questions and responded to what they said. The men participated in a conversation, and this allowed me to see their unique faith.

It is important that I do not simply give them information, but rather, through a process of questioning and dialogue, they come to conclusions and they hear each other speak. It is so important that the Church reaches out to them since they may not have transportation or any way to get to Mass. They expressed why they came to the United States and why they work so hard: It is always for their families. They truly love their families and carry out very difficult work out of love.

I believe that what I learned from the people is that we must accompany them with faith in Christ, to help them grow and to have a faith that is not only cultural, but which engages them as people of dignity as they are created in the image and likeness of God. This opportunity reminds me that we are all part of the Mystical Body of Christ. I cannot help to think when I look at the vegetables on my plate, that they were brought to my table through the real sacrifice of real persons. These men are my brothers. The Church in the United States is an immigrant Church, and throughout her history, the Church continues to grow in understanding that though very different, we are one Body in Christ.

I am learning so much as a deacon, and the Lord is giving me the grace to realize that the unity of the Church goes beyond cultural limitations. It is so important that the pastor of a parish be the unifier of the parish in faith, doctrine, truth and charity. This is what I aspire to be one day. My heart was touched in the vegetable fields. I am blessed in my assignment at Saint Clare of Assisi Parish.

Transitional Deacon Cesar Pirateque, fourth theology, Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, South Orange, serves in Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, Gibbstown.