By Jim Shea
Correspondent

Celebrating the gift of their culture and faith, hundreds of Hispanic Catholics from around the diocese gathered in St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Metuchen, on Oct. 24 for the annual Mass of the Hispanidad.

Bishop Emeritus Edward T. Hughes presided at the Liturgy, speaking the entire time in Spanish. A charismatic choral group from St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook, performed sacred music.

In his homily, Claretian Father Francesco Iacona, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Perth Amboy, expressed three important qualities he would like to see flourish within the Hispanic community. First, he noted, it is important for Hispanic Catholics to recognize who they are and celebrate their uniqueness.

"Second is taking risks," he explained. "Following the cross . . . by going out and accepting our own mission. The third quality is to do this in community with others and to find this unity in the Holy Spirit."

Father John B. Gordon, chairman of the diocesan Commission for Hispanic Ministry and pastor of La Asuncion Parish, Perth Amboy, thanked the 600 congregants for taking part in the Liturgy.

"This is the gift of coming together from very far distances," he remarked. "People are here from Hackettstown, Lambertville, Carteret and from all of the four counties of the diocese. We are grateful for this and I remind you of the gift of your culture. Never feel afraid, never feel ashamed or fearful of being who you are as Hispanic people."

Representing Hispanics in religious life at the Mass were Missionary Catechists of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary from Mexico City, Mexico. Several women from this order serve the diocese in Holy Trinity Parish, La Asuncion Parish and St. Mary Parish, all in Perth Amboy; St. John the Baptist Parish and St. Joseph Parish, both in New Brunswick, and St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook.

"Their charism is to serve within the parish and visit homes of the families with efforts of evangelization," Father Gordon explained. "They are trying to build up the unity of the family through their visits and their care."

Following Mass attendees shared in the condevencia, or fraternal gathering, which is a time of fellowship, cultural dance and music. Mariachis, dressed in sombreros, provided entertainment, as did several youth who performed dances of the ancient Aztec culture.

Mentioning the large turnout, Father Gordon noted that the Hispanic apostolate has grown from 14 to 16 parishes since last year. He said that the increased participation and presence of Hispanic Catholics "is definitely enriching our diocese and helping us move forward with the mission of the Church."

Missionary Catechists of the Heart of Jesus and Mary Sister Felipa Lara, who serves in St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook, commented, "I am happy to be with the Hispanic [community] tonight. I am having much success with my mission. We have a lot of people coming back to the Church."

The fact that Bishop Hughes celebrated the entire Mass in Spanish was the most meaningful aspect of the evening for Deacon Anthony Bezares of St. Mary Parish, Perth Amboy.

"The whole community thanks Bishop Hughes for the tremendous job he did," he said. "I cannot tell you how much his efforts meant to us. He made this the best Hispanic day we’ve had so far. I deeply felt the Holy Spirit was present in [the cathedral]."