Embracing our heritage and looking to the future
As a nation, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The month started by recognizing Mexico’s and the many Central and South American countries’ independence from Spain and concluded with Columbus Day, or as many call it, Día de la Raza. During this month, we celebrated the achievements, histories, traditions, diversity and vibrant culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans. It is a time to remember where we as Hispanic Americans have come from and look to the future with hope and courage.
As a nation, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The month started by recognizing Mexico’s and the many Central and South American countries’ independence from Spain and concluded with Columbus Day, or as many call it, Día de la Raza. During this month, we celebrated the achievements, histories, traditions, diversity and vibrant culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans. It is a time to remember where we as Hispanic Americans have come from and look to the future with hope and courage.
Prior to Hispanic Heritage Month, three young adults from the Diocese of Austin and I had the opportunity to attend the Haciendo Caminos Vocations Summit, which was held at Dominican University in Chicago. The summit is a collaboration of 18 Catholic higher education institutions, including the University of Notre Dame and Boston College. The goal of this initiative is to accompany students with demonstrated leadership experience in Hispanic communities to pursue graduate theological formation for ministry.
Much like Hispanic Heritage Month, the summit allowed the four of us from Central Texas as well 200 of our colleagues to celebrate our rich Hispanic heritage and to look to the future with hope and confidence.
“God’s timing is perfect,” I thought to myself as I realized during the summit that these three young adults were discerning their vocational service and seeking to find where they were called to serve in our church. Through this summit they received the grace and courage to continue their studies. One of them has already begun the application process to the Pastoral Counseling Program at Loyola University in Chicago.
Alejandra Barrios, a young adult from Cristo Rey Parish in Austin, said the summit gave her the push she needed to pursue a master’s degree.
“I want to better myself, and now I know I can,” she said after the conference.
Neira Campos, a parishioner of St. Margaret Parish in Giddings, shared how helpful it was during the conference to meet other jóvenes (young adults) from across the country who are active in the church.
“They are the ones that can make change,” she said.
Pope Francis has said many times how the church needs young people, and I wholeheartedly agree. The young people who attended the summit as well as the vibrant communities of young people in our diocese are needed in our church. I firmly believe our jóvenes are the ones who will lead us into the future as they embrace their heritage and build upon their firm foundation of faith.
Yazmín Maní Malone serves as Pastoral Juvenil Hispana Outreach Associate, a resource for clergy, parish staff and adults who work with Latino middle school, high school and young adults. Email her at yazmin-mani@austindiocese.org or call (512) 949-2466.
