This month we are celebrating Hispanic heritage. Perhaps we in the Diocese of Brooklyn have memories of the Reverend Msgr. Perfecto C. Vasquez. Msgr. Vasquez was the first Hispanic Msgr. in the diocese and was a beloved pastor.
Like his name, he was known as the “perfect” priest, always serving his parishioners as a pastor at St. Agnes or Guardian Angel in Brooklyn or as a priest-in-residence at St. Teresa in Woodside, Msgr. Vasquez was always there for the people.
Msgr. Vasquez is not alone in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Hispanics play a vital role in the diocese and the broader Catholic Church in the U.S. Their significance can be understood from several perspectives. The Hispanic community represents a significant portion of the Catholic population. The diocese, which covers one of the country’s most diverse areas, has many parishes that celebrate Mass in Spanish, reflecting Hispanic Catholics’ linguistic and cultural needs.
This led to the establishment of ministries, organizations, and events tailored to the Hispanic community. The diocese recognized this reality in the 1950s and had already prepared our priests and seminarians to serve our people by studying the Spanish language and the many diverse cultures of our Spanish-speaking people.
And how can we forget the impact of our Latino bishops, like Auxiliary Bishop René Valero, Auxiliary Bishop Octavio Cisneros and his work as rector of our college-level seminary in Douglaston from 1996-2007, and Auxiliary Bishop Paul Sanchez, who is ethnically Spanish (from Spain), Scottish, and Irish and had to learn Spanish to serve the People of God as well as he does, even in his retirement.
Nationally, Hispanic Catholics form the largest-growing demographic within the U.S. Church. Approximately 40% of Catholics in the U.S. are Hispanic, a number which continues to increase, particularly among younger generations.
Hispanic Catholics bring a rich cultural heritage of faith, including popular devotions to Our Lady of Guadalupe and various other saints. Their vibrant expressions of worship, processions, and community-based events enrich the Church’s liturgical life. In the diocese, these devotions are keyl to the spiritual identity of parishes.
The strong emphasis on family, intergenerational connections, and community in Hispanic culture aligns with Catholic social teachings. Hispanic Catholics often contribute to parish vitality by fostering active family-based participation in the sacraments and community service.
The growing number of Hispanic Catholics has prompted dioceses across the U.S., including in Brooklyn and Queens, to prioritize bilingual and bicultural pastoral outreach. Spanish-speaking priests, deacons, and lay ministers are essential in providing pastoral care and sacramental life to these communities.
Hispanic Catholics often face challenges related to immigration, economic hardship, and social inequalities. The Church plays a crucial role in advocating for immigrant rights, providing services, and supporting the dignity of Hispanic families. Dioceses like ours are particularly active in outreach efforts.
The Hispanic community is also central to the Church’s mission of evangelization. Their youthful presence and strong ties to Catholic traditions provide a foundation for spreading the Gospel and revitalizing parishes, especially in urban areas.
The importance of Hispanics in the diocese lies in their demographic strength, cultural richness, and spiritual vitality, which are shaping the future of Catholicism in America.