Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 2025.
It is a privilege to write this article in honor of Hispanic Heritage month. Having served as associate director of Marriage Ministries for over a year now, I have truly come to know and love the Hispanic people of our Diocese. In my encounters with these men and women of faith, I have come to see and experience a profound sense of community.
It was rare to be a “minority” in a group, or to be the “outsider” looking in. But I am happy to say that whenever meeting our Hispanic brothers and sisters, I haven’t felt like a “minority” or an “outsider” looking in. Rather, I felt like one of the community!
Every event I’ve been to, whether it’s a meeting to discuss Our Lady of Guadalupe events or Pre-Cana, there is sure to be music and food – and ample amounts of it. Events factor in time to be social and build a sense of community.
I am greeted and welcomed by multiple people wherever I go. I’ve been learning Spanish for a year, and while I’m certainly not fluent, I attempt to engage in it. The patience I’ve been shown, and mercy given in my mistakes is inspiring. Speaking in a language that is not your own is a tremendous exercise in listening. I hope that it has improved my communication skills in English as well.
We believe in a Catholic – universal – Church, one that transcends nationalities and languages. Catholicism has a beautiful tapestry of devotions and expressions of faith that we can miss if “our parish doesn’t do that.” We need not travel to Europe or Central or South America to experience the beauty of the Universal Church. Here in our Diocese we have Hispanic Centers and diocesan events for all of us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of our faith.
I regret that I didn’t take advantage of the opportunities to experience the Church in a fuller capacity before. I want to invite and encourage our readers to encounter the Church in this way. Next month begins the Our Lady of Guadalupe Traveling Torch celebration, which starts off with Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton and ends with a procession from St. Mary of the Lake Church to Holy Family Church, both in Lakewood. There will be food, music and dancing. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas and is Our Blessed Mother.
I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for me through these encounters and conversations with the faith-filled, joyful members of our Hispanic community. May the Lord continue to bless you and your families.
Petrillo serves in the Department of Evangelization and Family Life as associate director of Marriage Ministries and NFP.