On a Sunday dedicated to mothers and
Christ the Good Shepherd, the congregation at All Saints Catholic Church in
Manassas had an additional intention. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated
Mass to pray for Hispanic vocations May 12 — the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
Father Juan A. Puigbó, parochial vicar with special care of St. Gabriel Mission
in Manassas Park, gave the homily.
By virtue of baptism, all are called to
a life of holiness, said Father Puigbó. “We need to belong to the Lord and
become his disciples. If we’re his true disciples, the risk is going to be
rejection and persecution,” he said. “That’s why we as a church need to support
each other, why forming small communities where we grow together in our faith
is so important.”
By growing in faith, each person
discerns whether they are called to married life, consecrated life or the
priesthood, he said. Father Puigbó encouraged all parents to guide their
children on that journey and for children to be willing to listen to their
parents. “We are called by (Christ) to do his work, and by doing that we’re
going to be fulfilled in this life and later in heaven,” he said.
Nearly half of the lay people in the
Diocese of Arlington are Hispanic, but far fewer of the diocesan priests are Hispanic.
Among 189 active priests working in parish ministry, 18 are native Spanish
speakers, and 85 priests total speak Spanish, according to the Office of
Clergy.
According to the Office of Vocations, only
four of the more than 40 seminarians are native Spanish-speakers. “We need
priests and consecrated women to take care of Spanish-speaking Catholics, and
the hope is that more families are becoming more aware of the needs,” said
Father Puigbó.
In his ministry, Father Puigbó has been
struck by the faithfulness of the younger generation. Recently, some have come
asking him to bless a ring that will signify their personal commitment to
chastity. “That’s the seed of a good Christian education and the beginning of a
good discernment,” he said. “It’s very private, very beautiful sign.”
After Mass, people waited to speak with
Bishop Burbidge, to ask for his blessing and a photo. “Lots of people took
pictures, it was like a fiesta — beautiful to see,” said Father Puigbó.
