Volunteers, priests and deacons who work closely with the
Hispanic community in the diocese gathered for the celebration of the 45th
anniversary of the Spanish Apostolate at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in
Arlington Nov. 20.
Arlington’s first bishop, Bishop Thomas Welsh, founded this
office 45 years ago to minister pastorally and spiritually to immigrants.
“It was a great dream that was gradually taking shape, until it
became what we are today,” said Father José Eugenio Hoyos, director of the
Spanish Apostolate. Over the years, many volunteers with their dedication and
example have developed a pastoral work that has grown and is increasingly
reflected in the work of evangelization carried through all the programs that
make up the office of the Spanish Apostolate: Marriage Encounters, Charismatic
Renewal, Pre-Cana, Legion of Mary, Young Adults, Christian Life, Emmaus
Ministry, Catechesis Ministry, Convalidations, and the Guadalupe Radio Team.
Father Hoyos thanked the volunteers for their work and especially
thanked Bishop Michael F. Burbidge “for his support, his patience, his
guidance, and his accompaniment to our immigrant families and our pastoral
programs who have enriched the faith and have brought Jesus and the Church
closer to our Hispanic community.”
Father Hoyos also remembered the past directors: Father Luis
Valdivieso, Rev. José María Ambros and Father Ovidio Pecharroman, “who left a
mark (on) this office and enriched it with their wisdom.”
Father Hoyos also highlighted the presence of Hispanic priests
and those priests who have made such a tremendous effort to learn Spanish and
accompany Hispanic families.
The opening prayer was given by Father Thomas P. Ferguson, vicar general,
and Bishop Burbidge’s remarks emphasized the work of the Spanish Apostolate and
the time and talents of the many volunteers who have given strength to the
Hispanic pastoral ministry throughout these years. He thanked Father Hoyos and
said that the V Encuentro was a great incentive for the immigrant community and
a light of hope for young adults.
Among the priests attending were Father Kevin B. Walsh, pastor of
Precious Blood in Culpeper; Father Ignatius Harding, O.F.M., of St. Francis of
Assisi in Triangle; Father Matthew H. Zuberbueler, pastor of St. Anthony of
Padua in Falls Church; Father John T. O’Hara of Holy Family Church in Dale
City; Father Alexander Diaz of Our Lady of Angels in Woodbridge, Father Alan
Ventura of St. Anthony in Falls Church, Father Alberto Bueno, T.O.R. of St. Joseph
in Herndon and Deacons Alberto Bernaola and José López.
Father Hoyos entrusted the office to the Virgin of Guadalupe and patron
St. Thomas More to continue blessing the work of evangelization of the office
of the Spanish Apostolate and Hispanic families in the diocese.
Saravia is the administrative assistant for diocesan
Spanish Apostolate.
