By Tami S. Scott
Editor
St. Anthony of Padua in Syracuse serves about 250 families of Hispanic origin, including parishioners from nearby communities and as far away as the Southern Tier. On Oct. 19, the Southside parish held a special Mass and reception to observe Hispanic Latino Heritage Month with Father Brendan Foley, pastor, presiding, and *Father Adam Rosinski, SJ, concelebrating. Both priests speak fluent Spanish.
Fanny Villarreal was among the many Catholic faithful in the pews that morning. A native of Lima, Peru, Villarreal has lived in Central New York for 30 years. “I love Syracuse and Onondaga County,” she said. “This is home.”
Villarreal also rightly embraces her Hispanic culture and traditions, which remain an important part of her identity. She describes this month as a way to celebrate and educate others who want to learn more about their fellow parishioners. “I think the more we share with one another, it will be a better understanding of where we’re coming from and why we do certain things in one way rather than another one,” she said, adding, for example, “The Hispanic community is very loyal, very loving, so we give hugs to everybody … just to say, I’m happy to see you. Things like that. For some people, it could mean something different, but that’s the only reason. So that’s why it’s important to celebrate, because that gives us the opportunity to talk about those things.”
Cheri O’Brien, a parishioner of St. Anthony’s for three years, doesn’t speak Spanish but attends the weekly Spanish Mass for the camaraderie. “I love it here … I may not speak Spanish, but I feel very blessed when I’m here.” On special occasions, Father Brendan Foley, pastor, will give the homily in English, too, or explain a Hispanic tradition if one is incorporated into the Mass. For instance, at the end of Sunday’s Mass, parishioners witnessed a couple presenting their newborn to God. It’s important to the parents that the priest holds and elevates their child as a gesture to recognize that the child is not their possession but entrusted to them by God and is worth reverencing. This tradition takes place before Baptism and offers gratitude to God for the gift of life and a healthy birth.
A couple came before the altar where Fr. Foley blessed the newborn infant. The Presenting of a Child to God, which often takes place before or around baptism, is an act of thanksgiving that honors Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
Immediately following Mass, people were welcomed to join the festive gathering inside the church hall. With colorful displays showcasing cultural items, guests were invited to try homemade ethnic foods from Puerto Rico, Peru, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Colombia. “Even though we all speak Spanish, there are certain words that mean different and so we are happy to have everybody come and learn,” Villarreal said.
County Executive Ryan McMahon, who last year presented Fr. Foley with a proclamation recognizing National Hispanic Latino Heritage Month, was present again this year, to say a few words before the festivities began. “We really wanted to be here today,” he said. “We’re so proud of everything you’ve done with this parish and what you’re doing to help this parish, and the importance of faith — that’s what keeps the community strong, and it keeps the community together, and you’re a perfect example of that.”
He continued, “And in this world right now, where there’re a lot of troubling things happening, it’s our faith and it’s our community and taking care of each other, which will get us through that.”
*Father Adam Rosinski, SJ, is socius and assistant director of novices at St. Andrew Hall Jesuit Novitiate in Syracuse.
