Sights & Sounds: Salvadoran Apostolate celebrates the Jubilee Year
On August 9, the Salvadoran Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark held a Jubilee Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, celebrated by Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington. Consecrated in 2023, Bishop Menjivar-Ayala is the first Salvadoran-born prelate in the United States.
The Jubilee Mass honored El Divino Salvador del Mundo (Divine Savior of the World), patron of El Salvador, whose feast is August 6. Father Moris Montoya, who is responsible for the Salvadoran Apostolate in the Archdiocese of Newark, said that it was important for the community to have the celebration close to the feast day of their patron “so that people in the US can experience a sense of closeness to God through our Catholic tradition that goes back to our roots back home.”
Worshippers also carried an image of Saint Oscar Romero in the Mass’s opening procession. While Archbishop of San Salvador, Romero became a powerful voice for the poor and oppressed. Assassinated in 1980 while celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel, he was canonized by Pope Francis in 2018.
Words of hope in a challenging moment
Father Montoya said that it was a great blessing to have Bishop Menjivar-Ayala present for the Jubilee Mass:
“Bishop Evelio, an immigrant who understands the reality of immigrants in the US, was able to share words of hope and encouragement with the community from El Salvador and all who were present at the celebration. His words filled our hearts with faith, hope, charity, and great joy – a grace that I hope will help the Salvadoran community grow closer to God amid sufferings that come with being immigrants at this moment in US history,” Father Montoya said.
The Salvadoran Apostolate later gathered in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center to continue the festivities with food, music, and dance.
To view more images of the Jubilee of the Salvadoran Apostolate CLICK HERE. You can watch a video of the celebration below.
For more information about the Salvadoran Apostolate, contact Mayra Valle at valle.marlene13@gmail.com.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
Featured image: Dancers perform during a celebration following the Jubilee Mass for the Salvadoran Apostolate on August 9, 2025. (Photos by Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera)
