Papal nuncio to host D.C. reception for Hispanic Heritage Month

Washington D.C., Sep 15, 2009 / 04:19 am

A reception for national Hispanic leaders will be held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C. to observe National Hispanic Heritage Month. The September 23 event is hosted by the Apostolic Nuncio and the San Antonio-based Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL).

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pietro Sambi is hosting the event to acknowledge the contributions of Hispanics and to recognize CALL’s mission and purpose.

Mario Paredes, CALL Chairman of the Board, said the nunciature’s hosting of the event was a “wonderful acknowledgement” of the group's mission and a recognition of the “many gifts” of Hispanic culture.

“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 Paredes, who is from New York City.

The reception will begin at 6 p.m. and will be attended by Hispanic and other leaders from the corporate, non-profit and Catholic spheres. It is sponsored by CALL, the Raza Development Fund, the American Bible Society, Mary’s Ministries and Alamo Travel Group.

Archbishop of San Antonio José H. Gomez expressed his gratitude that the Nuncio has welcomed CALL’s supporters and friends on what he called the “momentous occasion” of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“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,” the archbishop said in a press release.

CALL says it is poised to serve as a “national voice” for Hispanics on social justice issues and on policies affecting Latinos. It describes its purpose as the preservation and promotion of the sanctity and dignity of life, marriage and family life, Catholic faith formation, improved education and vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.

The group was founded two years ago and its members include Hispanics from varying business and professional backgrounds. Its website is at http://www.hispanicleaders.net.