By Sister Paulina Hurtado, O.P., Diocesan Hispanic Ministry
ATTLEBORO — Youth in the Hispanic Community of the Diocese of Fall River gathered on August 7, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette to resume in-person events and to celebrate the blessings of family and friends.
Young people of all ages from pre-school and kindergarten to Confirmation, young-adult and young adult parents, congregated and reflected on the heroic elements experienced during the long year of the Covid-19 restrictions. In doing so they were introduced to saints of their age by means of video, song and reflection in break-out-groups.
A first group from K to fourth grade started with the young Jesus, in the Holy Family of Mary and Joseph. As He was growing up, He was learning about the society of his time. He became the friend of children and of families around Him, and even at a young age He became active in teaching at the Temple in Jerusalem, as He would do later in His mission as the recognized Messiah of God.
A second group of fifth- to seventh-graders was introduced to the 13-year-old Mexican Saint, José Sánchez del Río, canonized by Pope Francis on Oct. 16, 2016. He was killed in the war against followers of Christ the King. He was a martyr, compassionate with the suffering of the loyal army of other martyrs for the Catholic Faith and for the love of Christ the King: “¡Viva Cristo Rey!”.
Lastly, the groups of Confirmation and young-adult, as well as the adult group were moved and encouraged by the 15-year-old Italian Millennial Saint, Carlo Acutis, beatified Oct. 10, 2020, by Pope Francis. Carlo was a leader, a friendly and talented person who was always there for everyone: for homework or for advice for his classmates and for the poor. He had special love and daily devotion for the Eucharist and the Rosary. His legacy is also his missionary spirit by means of the Internet. He is considered Patron of the Internet. To be always close to Jesus was the program of his life. He also loved playing soccer and made life pleasant for those around him. His parents were perplexed by his interests and devotion and especially his mother, who continues to be a great advocate of the Catholic faith and of the Church, about which she learned because of her son.
The day closed with the Eucharist, presided by Bishop Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V., followed by food treats and conversation.
For more information on the diocesan Hispanic ministry, contact Sr.Paulina@dioc-fr.org; like on Facebook Comunidad Hispana de la Diócesis de Fall River; or visit https://www.fallriverdiocese.org/
