A step forward for the National Hispanic Ministry
The Annual Conference of the National Association of Catholic Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM) was held in Houston, Texas Oct. 10- 13. For many of the attendees, it was not their first time attending. They reunited with friends with whom they had shared discussions in previous years or had met during the national process of the Fifth Encuentro. There were many smiling faces and a shower of hugs upon arrival. Those participating for the first time were pleasantly surprised by the cheerful atmosphere that made them feel welcome and at home.
The event began with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, and concelebrated by eight other bishops and a group of priests. “Welcome to our Archdiocese,” the Cardinal said in Spanish at the beginning of a warm and joyful celebration.
The main task of the four days was to analyze the new National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) last June. This document is of great importance, not only for Hispanic Catholics but for the entire U.S. Church. Bishop Oscar Cantú of the Diocese of San José in California spoke about it in his opening speech.
On the second day, Bishop Arturo Cepeda, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Detroit and a veteran in Hispanic ministry, led the assembly through a journey of historical memory, which is crucial to understanding the present and the future. Reminding us that we have not yet reached our goal, that we are still on the journey, he quoted the verses of the Spanish poet: “Caminante no hay camino, se hace camino al andar…” (“Traveler, there is no road, the road is made by walking…”). And Bishop Cepeda did it with wit and good humor, which is the spice that should never be missing from our dishes.
He talked about the origins of the national Hispanic ministry, about the dreamers and prophets who laid the foundation and took the first steps, never imagining the reality we are experiencing today. He helped us traverse the history of the last 50 years with various Encuentros, each time with a larger attendance, reflecting the growth of the Hispanic reality in the Church in the United States. And, along the way, the voice of the Church, reflected in different official documents, 40 years ago, stated: “At this moment of grace, we recognize that the Hispanic community living among us is a blessing from God.” This was the beginning of the pastoral letter “La presencia hispana: Esperanza y compromiso” published by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (now USCCB).
They acknowledged the values of the Hispanic community, such as deep respect for the dignity of the individual, love for family life, a sense of community, gratitude for life as a gift from God, and genuine and strong devotion to Mary. The Bishops’ Conference continued to recognize these values over the decades as the Hispanic community continued to grow and become more present in the life of the Church. However, it must be acknowledged that this welcome has not been uniform across the country. Challenges have been and continue to be numerous.
I looked around the large hall and saw the faces of the 250 people, coming from 109 dioceses across the country. There are both older and younger individuals, men and many more women (what would the Church do without them?!), a good number of priests, and bishops who listen and share at the tables. They are all pastoral agents, all important in their respective dioceses.
I can’t help but think of the Fifth National Encuentro, that grand gathering we had, also in Texas, five years ago, attended by over 3,500 delegates from most dioceses in the country, accompanied by 120 bishops. It was a historic event, the culmination of a process, and it marked an important milestone in the pastoral life of the entire Church in the country, as Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, who was the principal responsible for the process, reminds us. “The process of the Encuentros has also been the journey of our own identity, our ecclesial maturity. We are a people more conscious of who we are,” he said.
The result of the Fifth Encuentro was the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry. Alejandro gave us an overview of the historical significance of the plan and the implications it will have at the regional, diocesan, and parish levels. Dr. Dora Tovar explained the model of the Church presented in the plan.
During the Conference, there were many opportunities for exchange, such as panels of bishops and laypeople where specific questions and concerns of our Hispanic leaders who work daily in pastoral fields in their respective dioceses were addressed.
Continuing with the analysis of the new plan, we dedicated an afternoon to reflect in groups on the 10 pastoral priorities it presents and to creatively start considering initiatives that respond to pastoral needs in our dioceses and parishes. This is an exercise we must intensify soon at the local level, making it a reality.
The conference proceeded with a busy schedule filled with work, moments of prayer – daily Eucharistic celebrations – times of listening, reflection, and sharing enriching experiences, as well as music, which is an essential part of who we are. And there was much joy and faith in Him, giving us the strength to continue.
We departed in all directions across the country, to the 109 dioceses from which we came, carrying dreams to fulfill, aware that we are a link in a beautiful chain, heirs of great sacrifices, and responsible for passing the torch to younger generations. And we left with the joy of those who have had a true synodal experience, in harmony with those who, along with Pope Francis, are gathered these days at the Synod.
Photos by Theresa Orozco
