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Seasoning |
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Dear SALT Readers,
Ven con nosotros al caminar, Santa Maria, ven.”
This refrain from a popular hymn sung throughout Latin America invites us into the theme of this issue of SALT: the Latinization of the United States. For BVMs this process of Latinization has been a graced walk, grounded in our deep belief that God’s spirit is transforming us all into one people, sharing one planet, creating one future. In these pages you will read how BVMs along with many other congregations of religious responded to Pope John XXIII’s request to send sisters, brothers and priests to minister in Mexico, Central and South America. Similar to our first members leaving Ireland in 1833, some of us left the familiarity of home to meet the challenges of language, culture and service awaiting us in Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Guatemala. Little did we realize that as we left home to minister south of our border, many Latin Americans were leaving their homes to face the challenges of living in “El Norte.” We have been on the road together for the last 40 years. Though a small number of BVMs have actually traveled the road to minister in Latin America, their presence there has made an enormous impact on the congregation as a whole. Through them we have learned first hand of a different way of doing life—of daily rhythms of work and leisure and worship set in a context where family and relationship are paramount. We have experienced different ways of understanding the role of the individual, the use of time, the value of law. We have seen the effects of the United States’ economic and military decisions played out in places far away from Washington, DC. Some of us, having stepped out of U.S. culture for a while, have helped the rest of us see our American culture with fresh eyes. Given this background, BVMs were more prepared than many as thousands upon thousands of Latinos appeared in our cities, our neighborhoods our workplaces and our churches over the last four decades. Because of our background we were less likely to ask, “Why can’t they be more like us?” and more inclined to say, “Look at the gifts they bring that will help us all live more whole and healthy lives.” The presence of Hispanics brought new opportunities to live out the BVM core values of education, justice, freedom and charity. In this issue you will read stories of BVMs and Associates ministering with Latinos, whether in Kankakee, Los Angeles, Dubuque or Phoenix. Together they meet the challenges of two languages, two cultures, two styles of worshipping. Many BVMs and Associates not directly ministering with Hispanics meet similar challenges as they find Latinos sitting in their classrooms, social service agencies or parish halls. With all of its richness and complexity, the Latinization of this country will continue. Marketers, politicians and evangelists are well aware that the United States is the fifth largest Spanish speaking country in the world. And as Latinos continue to move north, so will some BVMs and Associates continue to take the road south, and others will engage in Hispanic ministry in this country. The presence of two Ecuadorian women in our novitiate in Dubuque this year has heightened our cross-cultural awareness as a congregation. Key BVM documents are being translated into Spanish. More BVMs and Associates have enrolled in Spanish language classes, even traveling to Guatemala for a language immersion program. As you enjoy this issue of SALT may you venture forth on the road with us—a road that leads to the tip of South America and all the way back to the cluster of Hispanic families closest to your neighborhood. May you learn as we have that the differences Hispanics bring are indeed a great gift to us individually and collectively. In appreciating our differences may we recognize our oneness.
Ven con nosotros al caminar,
Santa Maria, ven.”
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