Hispanic Catholics celebrate their faith and culture at moving Mass (Video/ photos)
Over 1,000 faithful came together for prayer, worship, and celebration at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. To open the Mass, banners, and flags representing the many countries of the Archdiocese of Newark faithful were carried in procession by people in their traditional dress. The youth choir of St. Joseph’s of the Palisades provided the music.
In his homily, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, said it was an honor to have so many in attendance to celebrate Hispanic culture during Hispanic Heritage Month.
“We think of all the people who have immigrated…,” Cardinal Tobin said. “This celebration reminds us of their history, their culture of music, and their different types of dancing that make up the culture. After all, the history of the culture isn’t simply folklore. It’s also a path of struggle and suffering. We console those who are suffering and let us not be afraid to practice tenderness.”
He reminded those in attendance that Sept. 29 is World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Pope Francis chose this year’s theme to be “God walks with His people.”
“Immigrants are an important part of this country and of the Church,” Cardinal Tobin said.
Archdiocese of Newark Auxiliary Bishops Michael A. Saporito, Gregory J. Studerus, Elias R. Lorenzo, and Manuel Aurelio Cruz concelebrated the Mass.
Luis Byron Toro, a Columbian parishioner of Saint Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, said he attended the Mass with “much happiness and pride during Hispanic Heritage Month.
