Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM), celebrated from September 15 to October 15, is here once again. This special time invites us to honor the rich cultural traditions, history, and contributions of Hispanic communities. As faithful Catholics, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the deep faith and vibrant expressions of devotion that have shaped the life of our Diocese of San Bernardino.
We will be publishing articles throughout HHM written by people within these cultures, including, Mexican, Guatemalan, Nicaraguan, and El Salvadoran communities. We will learn about their specific devotions and traditions, so please keep an eye out for these articles in our media.
Hispanic Catholics share a deep love for the Blessed Mother through many Marian devotions—such as the beloved feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico), Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Chile), and the Immaculate Conception (Nicaragua). We also remember the enduring legacy of Hispanic saints and missionaries, including St. Juan Diego (Mexico), St. Oscar Romero (El Salvador), St. Toribio Romo González (Mexico), and St. Rose of Lima (Peru). This month invites us to reflect on the beauty of unity in diversity within the Body of Christ. Let us give thanks to God for the many gifts Hispanic cultures bring to our parishes and communities. May this celebration inspire us to grow in solidarity, faith, and love.
HHM also offers a moment to grow in our understanding of the Hispanic communities that make up a vital part of our local Church. Hispanics make up 52% of the population in the Inland Empire—about 2.4 million people. Within the Diocese of San Bernardino, which includes 1.4 million Catholics, approximately 59% are Hispanic. Recent Mass attendance data from the Office of Pastoral Planning shows that beginning in the 2022–2023 year, more Catholics in our diocese are now attending Mass in Spanish than in English. As our diocese has grown, so has the vibrant presence of the Hispanic community. This growth is also bearing fruit in vocations, with many of our seminarians coming from Hispanic backgrounds.
This HHM let us take the time to recognize the many gifts our Hispanic community offers and continue to seek what unites us, our shared love for Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the source of our unity. As St. Oscar Romero reminds us: "At the evening of life, we will be judged by how we have loved."
In Christ,
Wilfredo Aguirre
Wilfredo Aguirre is the Associate Director of the Diocesan Office of Hispanic Affairs.