Florida Catholic | Spanish-language Mass In Main Church Is A First

Spanish-language Mass in main church is a first

The chapel at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish has outgrown attendance for Sunday’s Spanish Mass.

JAIRO A. CASTRILLÓN | SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA CATHOLIC

Published: 02.29.08

VALETA ORLANDO | FC
Father Hilario Rivera, parochial vicar at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Winter Park, makes a point as he preached the homily at the Spanish-language Mass.

WINTER PARK | This city’s Hispanic community celebrated Spanish-language Mass in the main church at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Feb. 9. The chapel could no longer accommodate all the people who wanted to attend each Saturday.

Father Hilario Rivera, parochial vicar, celebrated the Mass, which was attended by more than 700 people. The number of Hispanic families is growing in that part of the city and the number of Hispanics at the parish continues to increase and is expected to surpass 1,000.

Noelia Rodríguez, who along with her husband is active in ministries, said, “It is beautiful to see how little by little the community is growing. This is the result of our humble efforts.

“A few years ago, only seven or 10 people attended Mass. We thank God and all the people who have joined us,” she said, visibly moved by the response of the community.

Ana Torres, parish director for Hispanic ministry, declared that “the mixed emotions” were indescribable. “At this time, sadness and joy are two feelings which cannot be separated,” she said.

Speaking to the attendees she first thanked all the people who planted the seeds for this community to grow healthy. “There were several years of hard efforts to prepare the ground. This is why we are harvesting the fruits now,” Torres said.

Torres thanked parochial administrator Father Derk Shudde for the crystallization of the ideas brought to him through many people, including María Rivera and Carlos Vélez.

“I thank God for the privilege to see our community growing so rapidly. This is why I invite you to continue to follow his calling and cultivate more seeds of faith for the coming generations,” Torres said.

This is a translation of an article Castrillón wrote for El Clarín, the Spanish-language newspaper of the Diocese of Orlando.

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Spanish-language Mass in main church is a first

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