Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S. & the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders host National Hispanic Leaders in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month

Washington, D.C. – The San Antonio-based Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (C.A.L.L.) and the Apostolic Nuncio will host a reception for national Hispanic leaders from across the United States on Wednesday, September 23, at the Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican Embassy) at 3339 Massachusetts Ave., NW, in Washington, D.C. The event will be held in observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

His Excellency Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, is hosting the event in acknowledgement of Hispanic Heritage Month, the many contributions Hispanics have made to society and in recognition of C.A.L.L.’s mission and purpose. “The hosting of this event by the Apostolic Nunicature is a wonderful acknowledgement of the mission and purpose of the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders and a recognition of the many gifts our Hispanic culture has provided to our society. More importantly, it acknowledges CALL’s work with the Catholic Church for the common good in the service of Latino communities in the United States,” said C.A.L.L. Chairman of the Board, Mario Paredes of New York City.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. and Hispanic and other leaders from corporate America, as well as non-profit and Catholic organizations across the U.S. have confirmed attendance at the Apostolic Nunciature, more commonly known as the Vatican Embassy. The evening is sponsored by C.A.L.L. in conjunction with the Raza Development Fund, the American Bible Society, Mary’s Ministries, and Alamo Travel Group.

Under the leadership of C.A.L.L.’s Epsicopal Moderator, the Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of San Antonio, C.A.L.L. is poised to serve as a national voice for Hispanics on social justice issues and to impact the national dialogue and its outcome in favor of improving our nation’s policies affecting Latinos. Members include Hispanics from varying business and professional backgrounds who are dedicated to transforming their lives and communities for the common good. The opportunity to bring Hispanic leaders together in a forum such as this is seen as groundbreaking to the two-year-old organization.

“We are grateful that the Ambassador of the Pope in our country has opened the doors of the Nunciature widely to welcome C.A.L.L.’s supporters and friends through this momentous occasion as we mark Hispanic Heritage month and it’s theme “Embracing the Fierce Urgency of Now,” Gomez said. “The cultural traditions of the Hispanic American community are very much a part of the rich historical experiences of the Catholic Church in this continent. Catholicism and the Hispanic cultures are undeniably intertwined.”

Chairman Paredes adds that, “The theme of this year’s Hispanic Heritage month is appropriate to C.A.L.L.’s mission and purpose. With so many important social justice issues before our country today, C.A.L.L. embraces this urgency not just by being part of the national dialogue, but by being a force of influence on the outcome of that dialogue in ways tangible and relevant to our Church and community.”

Working in collaboration with Catholic bishops nationwide, the purpose of C.A.L.L. is to preserve and promote values such as the sanctity and dignity of life, marriage and family life, Catholic faith formation, improved educational opportunities, vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, and promoting the dignity of every person.