Nearly 3,000 Catholics braved the elements to celebrate Hispanic heritage with Mass and a festival at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Falls Church Oct. 4.
“This is a great event and a wonderful way to celebrate a Sunday with family and to be in communion with others who we may not know,” said Justine Funes, a parishioner who brought her younger sister.
Joel de Leora, diocesan director of Hispanic ministry, said events such as this are important to foster community.
“Hispanic Catholics make up such a significant part of our diocese, so this celebration is not simply about one parish or one particular Hispanic community,” he said. “It is an opportunity for the whole diocese to come together.”
This was part of the reason Jennifer Serrano came out. She works with Rincon de Luz, a young adult ministry at Holy Family Church in Dale City. As part of this ministry, she danced on stage.
But the highlight for her was watching her 4-year-old son celebrate his birthday. Emanuel Francisco Serrano was dressed head-to-toe as St. Francis. He met Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and danced close to the stage alongside his mother.
“This was a fun day,” said the younger Serrano. He enjoyed the Mass but also seeing all the dances and experiencing the different cultures.
The day began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Burbidge, and the church was overflowing.
After Communion, de Loera expressed the Hispanic community’s gratitude for the celebration, acknowledged the challenges Hispanics are facing in the current climate, and told Bishop Burbidge they are with him in the “Catholics Vote No” campaign against two proposed amendments to Virginia’s Constitution.
“Bishop Burbidge, it is true that many in our Hispanic community are suffering because of the current immigration situation. Many of our immigrant brothers and sisters are being deeply impacted,” he said.
“But at the same time, we want you to know that part of the heritage passed down to us by our parents and grandparents is a great love and respect for human life and for traditional marriage as instituted by God.”
Free face painting and Paleteria la Mexicana (Mexican popsicles with fresh fruit) were handed out during the festival. Empanadas and pupusas were available for purchase, as were alfajores, which sold out early.
During the festival various performers were on stage, including traditional Bolivian dancers and the Mexican Dance of the Toro. St. Anthony’s gym was filled with inflatable bounce houses and even a mechanical bull.
Numerous vendors, including Vicky Mattza, a parishioner of St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax, were on hand. She sold handmade jewelry, as well as clothing.
Mattza said this was the first time she had attended. Despite the weather, she was glad she came out.
“We are seeing people of every background. Big kids, little kids. Adults. This means a lot,” she said.
Shaffrey is diocesan director of media relations.
