‘Unity In Diversity’: Hispanic Heritage Mass Returning To Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Hundreds of Hispanic Catholic residents of North Jersey – who make up 40 percent of the Archdiocese of Newark’s population – are expected to attend an annual heritage Mass on Friday, Sept. 8.

The Archdiocese of Newark’s Hispanic Ministry will celebrate the special Mass at 8 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. This year’s Mass will also commemorate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which falls on the same day.

Here’s what to expect, according to the archdiocese:

“The Mass will feature lively Spanish-language music and hundreds of parishioners dressed in vibrant cultural attire. Additionally, it will commemorate the September 8 Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a procession in which participants will march into the Cathedral holding banners representing Mary’s various advocations. These processors will be accompanied by others carrying the flags of the advocations’ corresponding Hispanic nations. For instance, the person carrying the Our Lady of Guadalupe banner will march with the Mexican flag bearer, demonstrating the connection between Hispanic culture and the Catholic faith.”

According to Hispanic Ministry statistics, Hispanic residents make up 40 percent of the archdiocese’s worshipping population. That number is expected to increase, considering national data, the archdiocese says.

This year’s Mass — which typically occurs during National Hispanic Heritage Month each October — was moved to September since its celebrant, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, will be at the Vatican for the Synod of Bishops from Oct. 4 to Oct. 29.

“Our faith — especially our devotion to Mary — is a significant part of our culture,” said Deacon Asterio Velasco, director of the archdiocesan Hispanic Ministry.

“The Cathedral is usually full for this Mass, and hopefully, it will be again this year because this is a celebration of our identity,” Velasco said. “Every Hispanic country has its traditions, but we share the same faith.”

“We want to show there is unity in our diversity,” Velasco added.

The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholic residents of Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

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