More than 400 men, women and children representing the Hispanic Catholic communities of the diocese gathered on the eve of Pentecost to celebrate the birthday of the Church, and to welcome the Holy Spirit into their hearts and minds.

“We are together because we believe,” said Father Daniel Peirano, pastor of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, where the diocesan Hispanic Apostolate held its annual celebration May 22.

From thoughtful, reflective prayer and energetic song and dance to exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the evening provided attendees with a multitude of opportunities to grow closer both to God and each other.

“It’s the birthday of the Church; what a way to celebrate this birthday party!” said Alex Arias, associate director of the Hispanic Apostolate.

“Some people dance, some people pray,” he continued. “It’s a very unique way to celebrate our faith.”

Father Javier Diaz, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Trenton, and director of the Hispanic Apostolate, served as the master of ceremonies, leading the audience in prayer and worship during exposition.

“I think it’s the greatest night for the charismatics,” he said, adding how good it was to bring Catholics together from around the diocese to pray for their communities and “to feel empowered.”

“We are supposed to feel today the presence of the Holy Spirit,” said Father Diaz in discussing the essence of Pentecost. “We need to understand first that we need the Holy Spirit.”

For Susana Hulbert, of St. Anthony Claret Parish, Lakewood, the celebration is a much-needed occurrence each year. “This is a special day for us,” she said. “We want to increase our faith and to be aware of what Jesus Christ left for us.”

The theme of the evening was captured in a button given to each guest, reading, “We are Laborers of the Holy Spirit,” which resonated throughout the various activities.

Live music for the evening was provided by Gethsemane, a Hispanic Christian rock band that performed songs from a variety of genres, most of which are written by one of its members, Elmer Santos.

One of Gethsemane’s lead singers, Helen Medina, hopes that the group will attract more young men and women to the Church.

“There (are) a lot of young adults who are on the wrong track,” she said. She explained how she wished to share her gift of song with others in a meaningful way.

Even her mother, Enud Medina, has become involved with the group as a volunteer. “When I work with them, I just want to give them support,” she said. “Music is very important,” she added, saying how much she enjoys praying through song.

Rev. Mr. Carlos Castilla, who was ordained a transitional deacon a week earlier, led the group in a reflective prayer session.

“I think that the Church needs a new Pentecost…a new Pentecost in our life,” he said.

“I think we leave this place with a new energy, spiritual energy,” he said. “We are going to do amazing things in the name of Jesus and for all of humanity” For some, this evening was an opportunity to celebrate the presence of God in their lives. One such attendee was Mario Tejada of St. Anthony Claret Parish.

“Before I had a very bad life,” he said when talking about the time before God came into his life. “After that, I am a totally different person. It changed my life completely.”

Father Peirano could not be happier with the night as an opportunity for community-building and faith development. “As Christians, it is important to be together, to worship the Lord,” he said. “The Holy Spirit is with us and he moves us to be together.”