Dr. Hosffman Ospino, Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Education at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry and co-founder of the National Symposium on Catholic Hispanic Ministry, gave the closing keynote address. He spoke about the mission and responsibility of Catholic Hispanics residing in the U.S. He pointed out that their presence in the U.S. is the key to their ministry. They carry their culture with them, but they must recognize what it means to be Catholic Latinos in the U.S. because they minister to other Catholics living in the U.S. They cannot continue to minister to them as they did in their home countries, Dr. Ospino asserted.
Though the Congress focused primarily on how to minister with and for Hispanics, it reminded the participants that we are not to here to serve ourselves, but others. It is important that we recognize and celebrate the different cultures within our faith. This should not be a motive of division, but rather of reconciliation and joy. Bishop Gerald Barnes, who attended the Congress, has asked the group from the Diocese to continue to meet and discuss the themes of the event and how they might benefit ministry in the Diocese.
“Raices y Alas provided me with an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the many gifts that the Hispanic community offers to the Church of the United States,” said Edgardo Juarez, Office of Catechetical Ministry Consultant to the Hemet and Low Desert Vicariate and one of the 14 people from the diocese who attended the Congress. “Understanding the lights, shadows and opportunities of this growing community can provide a path to effective ministry.”
If we can reach thousands of people through the social networks to share our life stories we could reach the same people and ask them to have a personal encounter with God. It is through our own conversion that we become humble and serving disciples. This is what Pope Francis is calling us to through his Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, “The Joy of the Gospel.” If we renew our encounter with God we can renew the world. Our diocese has already taken a step in that direction by providing podcasts of the Pope’s Exhortation on the diocesan website. (available in English and Spanish).
Angelica Alba is the Associate Director of Pastoral Planning for the Diocese of San Bernardino.