C.A.L.L. and Hispanic Heritage Month at the Vatican Embassy

By Gloria F. Zapiain

National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15 each year, is our national opportunity for all to celebrate the spirit, culture, and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans.

This year, on September 23, the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (C.A.L.L.) commemorated this annual observance in a special way – on sovereign Vatican territory in the U.S., on the grounds of the Vatican Embassy, or the Apostolic Nunciature, in Washington, DC.

Nearly 300 C.A.L.L. members, friends, and supporters were welcomed to the stately residence and offices at 3339 Massachusetts Avenue by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, the personal representative of Pope Benedict XVI. The event marked C.A.L.L.’s first outreach effort in the nation’s capital, with chapters active in Miami, San Antonio, Denver, Houston and Phoenix and as well as others being developed in additional major cities.

Archbishop José Gomez, C.A.L.L. Episcopal Moderator, remarked that, “the families of many Americans of Hispanic descent pre-date the very founding our country. The rich cultural traditions of the Hispanic American community are the rich historical experiences of the Catholic Church on this continent. Catholicism and Hispanic cultures are undeniably intertwined.”

The evening’s program included words of thanks and rousing encouragement from C.A.L.L. Chairman, Mario Paredes of New York and Robert Aguirre of San Antonio, President and CEO. Attendees were also treated to musical selections from the New England Symphonic Ensemble and two marvelous arias from the operatic tableaux, “Oh, My Son” by Spanish composer Marcos Galvany, to premier at Carnegie Hall in New York City in April 2010.

Taking it all in, Patricia Stout, C.A.L.L. member of the San Antonio chapter and President/CEO of Alamo Travel Group, mentioned “how marvelous it is to see so many Catholics from all the country under one roof to discuss issues of importance to the Latino community.”