Diversity and the Universal Church

                                                                                                                       By Bro. Raymond Penyfort

Recently, the first Latino to hold the position was elected President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States, Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles.  He had served as the Vice President of the organization since 2016. Los Angeles is home to the largest number of Catholics in the United States in one city.  An immigrant from Mexico who is now a US citizen, he is an outspoken advocate for migrant rights.

“I am humbled by your support,” the Archbishop said to the bishops who had gathered in Baltimore for their annual meeting after his election.  “I think it is a special blessing for the Latino community.”  (Wall Street Journal:  Section US Watch, “LA. Archbishop to Lead U.S. Group” November 13, 2019, p. A2) 

It is interesting that this discussion should take place in Baltimore, a city which has a history as an entrance way for thousands of immigrants, many of whom dealt with some of the same struggles and difficulties as have recent arrivals.  For many years, newcomers faced not only a sense of disdain based on class and economic distinction, but out-and-out hostility regarding racial, ethnic and religious affiliations.

Some of these problems still linger on, but there are bright spots.  One I happened to witness more recently occurred in East Baltimore, in the neighborhood of Highlandtown.  I often return to this neighborhood where my family has roots, not only to see the progress that has been occurring but to enjoy patronizing some of the bakeries and stores in the area.  I also have been very impressed to see the recent contributions of Latinos in a number of aspects: new stores, restaurants and markets.

One of the examples of Latino progress has been regarding something near and dear to me and my family:  our old parish Church of the Sacred Heart and its elementary school. Founded and begun by German priests and immigrants, it was always a shining symbol of hard work, sacrifice and pride.  The huge complex and church with its two bell towers with beautiful chimes were symbols of the entire community.

I recall that as older generations died or moved away, there was much concern for Sacred Heart’s Parish.  On one of my recent visits, however, I realized there was no need to worry. It was the Tuesday of Holy Week and I noted the open doors and activity going on around the church.  I wondered and hoped that there wasn’t a problem such as vandalism, whatever. I walked up the long steps and was shocked, surprised and impressed all at the same time. There must have been about fifty or sixty people, all Latinos, men and women, parishioners in work clothes, cleaning, painting and redoing the beautiful floors and statues.  All of the workers, it turned out, were volunteers who came to prepare for the Triduum. They were busy with their work, but some turned and greeted me, then continued working. With the progress that had been made, I could see that Sacred Heart, that magnificent church, had never looked better. I also learned that not only had a number of the religious observances remained, but that in addition, there were new observances and festivals such as Our Lady of Guadalupe and Cinco de Mayo.

Yes, there are still misunderstandings and criticisms and questions from some in the larger community, “Where did they all come from?  Why can’t it remain the same? Can’t they learn English more quickly?” But these reactions are fewer and fewer. As the newcomers have demonstrated their abilities and strengths and have shown that they maintain these same values of family, religion and hard work, more acceptance is occurring.

We are not talking only of the beauty of diversity, but the concepts of the Universal Church.  Most of that community are going to the same church for the same Eucharist and our same Lord is looking down.   Our Lord must be smiling—on the old original community and on the new energetic arrivals as well.

I hope Archbishop Gomez will return to Baltimore and visit Sacred Heart Church.  I’m sure he would be pleased.

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