“Testigos De Esperanza” (Witnesses of Hope) was the theme for the 2025 Celebracion de Fe y Cultura (Celebration of Faith and Culture), presented by the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry. The theme tied into the ongoing Jubilee Year of Hope.
The daylong event took place Sept. 20 at Sacred Heart Chapel in Lorain. It began with Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost, who filled in for Bishop Edward Malesic, who is recovering from foot surgery and was unable to attend.
“I am happy to fill in for Bishop Malesic,” Bishop Woost said, asking the group to keep him in their prayers as his recovery continues. “I am so grateful to be here. This is a wonderful celebration of faith and culture and such a blessing.”
(See photo gallery above.)
Concelebrants included priests from several parishes in the diocese with large Hispanic congregations/ministries: Father Alex Spenik, Sacred Heart Chapel administrator; Father Rob Reidy, former pastor of Sagrada Familia Parish; Father Jeffrey Lindholm, who works with the Hispanic ministry at Holy Angels Parish; Father Steve Vellenga, pastor of St. Mary Parish, Painesville; Father Mark Riley, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish; and Msgr. Richard Antall, pastor of Sagrada Familia Parish. Father Spenik was the homilist.
Music was provided by Sacred Heart Chapel. Valeria Rodriguez from St. Mary, Painesville, sang “Ave Maria” a capella after Communion.
Hortensia Rodriguez, director of Hispanic Ministry, welcomed the nearly 300 attendees.
“As the Catholic Church in the United States becomes more Hispanic, we face the challenge and opportunity to build the kingdom of God with the hope that characterizes our Hispanic families and cultures,” Rodriguez said. “Let us reflect on and celebrate the treasure of our faith and our Hispanic identity to grow in the evangelizing commitment to which God calls us at this moment in history.”
The celebration began with the traditional procession of flags from Puerto Rico and South and Central American countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Columbia, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. After each flag was brought into the church, it was placed in a stand near the altar. Liturgical dancers performed before the clergy entered the church.
After Mass, the group had breakfast in the colorfully decorated parish hall before returning to the church where Hosffman Ospino, guest speaker, gave the first of two addresses. He is a professor at Boston College and played a key role in the national V Encuentro.
Attendees enjoyed lunch between Ospino’s talks. During lunch, Daniel and Daniela Padilla from St. Mary, Painesville, provided Mexican music to entertain the group. Daniela attended the quinceanera retreat presented earlier this year by the Office of Hispanic Ministry.
Click here for more information on the diocesan Hispanic ministry.