Top photo caption: Bishop O’Connell chats with Father Rene Pulgarin, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Keyport, during the meeting.
As the Hispanic Catholic population continues to grow throughout the Diocese of Trenton, strengthening pastoral outreach, engaging younger generations and fostering vocations remain key priorities. These efforts were at the heart of a recent gathering that brought together Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and 20 priests to discuss the present and future of Hispanic Ministry across the Diocese.
The gathering included presentations by Denise Contino, executive director of the diocesan Office of Pastoral Life and Mission; Jossie Ramos, coordinator of Hispanic Initiatives; and Father Arian Wharff, diocesan liaison for Hispanic Ministry. The presenters provided updates on the current state of Hispanic Ministry and outlined a framework for continued pastoral outreach.
The Bishop also discussed the national “One Tilma, One Heart” initiative, launched by the U.S. bishops in preparation for the 500th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 2031.
As part of the initiative, the Diocese has received a replica of the tilma, or cloak, of St. Juan Diego, which bears the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The replica will be housed in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, for the next five years as the Church prepares for the anniversary celebration.
An expanded story on Diocesan Hispanic Ministry initiatives will be published in the December edition of The Monitor Magazine.
