On Friday, June 13, the feast of St. Anthony of Padua, Columbus St. Joseph Cathedral was overflowing with reverence and joy as more than 900 faithful Catholics filled the pews and spilled into the aisles to celebrate a Jubilee Mass for the Latino community dedicated to the Year of Hope.
Vibrant and colorful red, white and yellow flowers adorned the front of the altar and the pulpit, providing a festive atmosphere. The air was rich with incense, and the voices of the choir and the congregation echoed the devotion of the multitudes gathered for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Popular hymns and songs were led by musicians throughout the Mass. The sound of the choir’s voices, together with the voices of the congregation crowded into the cathedral, gave the celebration a joyful, solemn quality.
The Mass was presided over by Bishop Earl Fernandes, who delivered a heartfelt homily that emphasized the importance of walking together as pilgrims on the journey toward heaven.
Bishop Fernandes urged all those in attendance to embody humility, charity and obedience to God’s word and commandments, with a particular focus on loving their neighbor.
He encouraged the congregation to “give your neighbor the benefit of the doubt” and to “share the Good News.” He reminded them that “Our God comes to save us from our sins and to offer us life in abundance.”
Bishop Fernandes called the faithful to be people of prayer, reflecting on God’s word, His love for us, the mysteries of the faith, and the Eucharistic mystery.
He concluded by saying, “The graces God gives us and the gift of our faith are not only for ourselves; they are meant to be shared with our family members, friends, those who do not know Jesus, and future generations.”
Eight priests and four deacons serving in the diocese, including religious order clergy from Theatines, Missionary Servants of the Word, Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and Capuchins, concelebrated Mass with Bishop Fernandes.
Before the final blessing at the Mass, Father David Arroyo, Vicar for the Office of Hispanic Ministry, expressed his gratitude by saying in Spanish, “Pueblo Hispano!” The congregation responded with “Peregrinos de Esperanza,” which translates to “Hispanic people” and “Pilgrims of Hope!” He also thanked the volunteers, including hospitality, parking and choir members.
“This year emphasizes the importance of inner conversion and steadfast hope in God, as highlighted by the bishop,” Father Arroyo said after Mass. “As a pilgrim people journeying through life, the ultimate goal remains heaven. In this spirit of grace, the Hispanic Ministry is actively collaborating with the diocese to organize pilgrimages and temple visits, which offer plenary indulgence opportunities.
“By fostering communication with parishes, the ministry encourages them to welcome Hispanics into their communities, reinforcing a shared commitment to faith and unity in the journey towards divine grace.”
Bishop Fernandes also expressed his appreciation, saying, “You are the hope of the Diocese of Columbus. We love you and need you. …
“We are pilgrims here, we are all together in this pilgrimage,” he said. “Christ gives us the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, our food for the journey. We are all journeying toward heaven.”
The celebration continued after Mass with a gathering behind the cathedral that included food, fellowship, festive music and dancing. Tours of the Museum of Catholic Art and History, located adjacent to the cathedral, provided an opportunity to view a variety of relics and religious items of particular interest to Latinos.
The event was coordinated by the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry and the direction of the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
“The celebration of faith and culture within the Hispanic community reflects a profound commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Marlon De La Torre, senior director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. “This occasion serves as a significant opportunity to recognize the cultural heritage and traditions of the Hispanic communities within the diocese that profess one faith in Jesus Christ as faithful Catholic disciples under the leadership of Bishop Fernandes.”
“The support for this initiative highlights the importance of these Catholic values embedded within the diverse Catholic Hispanic communities in Columbus. At the heart of this gathering lies the celebration of the Mass, which represents our identity as Catholics. It invites the community to deepen their sense of hope and commitment, fostering a strong relationship with Jesus Christ, who is truly present in the Holy Eucharist.
“The respectful cultural expressions of the Hispanic communities within the Mass embody our baptismal identity rooted in the Trinity, meant to strengthen the bonds of community and spiritual life.”
Dr. De La Torre said he hoped the Latino community would be encouraged to evangelize and embrace their Catholic faith, particularly during the Jubilee year.
“The encouragement of the Hispanic community is rooted in the understanding of the Cross of Jesus and His love,” he said. “This Jubilee year provides us with an opportunity to celebrate our identity as children of God and affirm our relationship with Jesus Christ through our baptism, empowering everyone to proclaim and share the word of God. It’s essential to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ and to reach out to those hesitant or disconnected from their faith, creating a welcoming path back home to the Catholic Church.”
Riquelmi Folgar, 33, one of the hospitality volunteers, said he believes the gathering will continue to enrich the faith of the Latino community.
“Being present in the Cathedral and participating in this Eucharist with the Bishop serves as a blessing, inspiring a sense of pilgrimage filled with hope, even amidst the adversities faced by young adults,” Folgar said. “During this Jubilee year, the Church emphasizes the importance of the sacraments and the promise of heaven, encouraging everyone to continually strive towards that hope.”
Sister Laura Mosqueda Morado, who is responsible for the formation of lay missionaries within the community of the Sister Missionaries of the Word (HMSP), expressed her heartfelt joy to see so many people worshiping the Lord.
“This Mass was a profoundly beautiful experience, serving as a great blessing that highlights the importance of hope in our lives,” she said. “It emphasizes the necessity of maintaining hope in the face of discouragement, encouraging individuals to focus on their spiritual journey toward heaven.
“This perspective fosters a mindful consideration of eternity while navigating life on earth. Such moments reinforce the belief that hope is essential for perseverance and growth.”