?Misionando hacia el Encuentro de su Pueblo,? which means ?Missioning to the Encounter of his People? was the theme of this year?s annual Faith and Culture Mass organized by the Diocese of Cleveland Hispanic Ministry Office. The message was embraced on Sept. 15 at Capilla Sagrado Corazon (Sacred Heart Chapel) in Lorain by members of seven different parishes that support ministries to Hispanics throughout the diocese.
Bishop Nelson J. Perez celebrated Mass. Concelebrants were Father Bill Thaden, pastor of Sacred Heart Chapel, and Father Stephen Vellenga, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Painesville. Deacon Francisco Honorato, CSJ assisted with Mass.
Bishop Perez greeted those in attendance and welcomed the presentation of flags from Hispanic countries. Fifteen parishioners from youth to seniors were dressed in traditional cultural attire and processed with flags that represented their country of origin.
Following the procession of flags, members of the national Encuentro delegation spoke to signify the importance of the Faith and Culture celebration. Reflecting on the theme, they acknowledged the banner hanging inside the church stating ?while we are of different Hispanic parish communities, we are one as Latinos. Today and every day we work to preserve our history, culture and current Latino countries.?
Near the conclusion of Mass, those present who will be representing the diocese as members of the delegation at the national V Encuentro were asked to stand. Their names were called as the congregation gave them a round of applause in a sign of appreciation for their upcoming travels to Grapevine, Texas Sept. 20-23. V Encuentro will focus on missionary discipleship to the national and global Hispanic community.
Before the final blessing, Bishop Perez gave special thanks to the parishes that support the diocesan Hispanic ministry: Capilla Sagrado Corazon, La Sagrada Familia (Cleveland), San Miguel Arcangel (Cleveland), St. Bernard (Akron), St. Mary (Painesville), Our Lady of Lourdes (Cleveland) and St. Mary (Wooster).
The celebration continued after Mass as attendees gathered to enjoy Hispanic food, watch dance performances and pray again for their faith to spread and to provide guidance and assistance for their communities.
For more information on the Hispanic ministry, call 216-696-6525, Ext. 4300.
