¡Viva La Providencia!
By Marietha Góngora
The diocese honored Our Lady of Divine Providence, patroness of Puerto Rico Nov. 17 with a Mass at St. Michael- St. Malachy parish in East New York.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio presided over the Eucharistic Offering amidst a solemn and festive atmosphere. At the altar he was accompanied by Father Brendan Buckley O.F.M., pastor of St. Michael \-St. Malachy, as well as the deacons Carlos García, Jorge González and Jaime Varela.
Hundreds of devotees, many of whom were Puerto Ricans, attended this feast that was the perfect blend of faith, family and tradition. Little Puerto Rican flags were abound in the hands of the congregant’s hands.
On the side of the altar, floral arrangements adorned the image of Our Lady of Divine Providence.
Isla del Encanto
The homily was delivered by Deacon Jaime Varela, a native of Puerto Rico. He began by highlighting historical aspects of the devotion. It started in Italy around the 13th century and then made its way to the so-called “Isla del Encanto.”
“It was for the 19th century that the Rev. Msgr. Gil Esteve and Tomás, born in Catalonia (Spain), was appointed Bishop of Puerto Rico and brought with him the devotion that grew inside him during his seminary years,” Deacon Varela said.
The deacon then reminded the congregants that every year at this time, many churches in the Diocese of Brooklyn “honor our patron, Mary Mother of Divine Providence, with a Mass like this one and with a cultural act we share and remember our culture and our Catholic faith. Yes, we remember ‘el coquí, los taínos, el flamboyán y el ‘¡ay bendito!’”
In his homily, Deacon Varela recounted the traditions, musical instruments of their folklore and popular expressions that are heard daily among Puerto Rican families. He also mentioned the typical food and drinks that are always served at a ‘boricua’ table.
“We always live with the hope of one day returning to our island,” he said. “That is why to feel close, we have maintained our traditions. We celebrate all the feasts as if we were there and we celebrate everything because we like to celebrate.
“Today besides Our Lady, we celebrate our culture, family, religion, and faith.”
“Long live our island of Puerto Rico!” the deacon declared to which the people responded with energetic applause. “Long live our culture! Long live our faith! Long live the Hispanics and Our Lady of Divine Providence!”
After the Eucharistic celebration, in the parish hall the attendees enjoyed a lively moment of fraternity, a banquet with typical fare and folklore shows.