NEW YORK — In recent weeks, the Latino community at Holy Name of Jesus, 96th Street in Manhattan, had several reasons to celebrate.
On Nov. 11, the Society of Our Lady of Providencia marked its 25th anniversary at Holy Name. The community hosted the Most Rev. Roberto Gonzales, OFM, archbishop of San Juan, Puerto Rico, as the principal celebrant of a liturgy concelebrated by Francis Gunn, OFM, pastor, and Hugh Hines, OFM. Our Lady of Divine Providence, whose feast day is Nov. 19, is the patron saint of Puerto Rico.
Francis, who informed the community that Roberto had been a student of Hugh’s at Siena College, said, “Members of the community were thrilled to have Archbishop Roberto join them for a festive celebration after Mass.”
On Dec. 9, the parish also celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is the best-attended liturgy of the year. Michael Tyson, OFM, presided, before a standing-room-only group. Attendees included more than 100 members of the Grupo Juvenil Guadalupano, who ran in a torch-led procession from 14th Street to 96th Street, arriving at the start of the liturgy for a blessing from Michael and procesion into the church. Music for the liturgy and reception was provided by a mariachi band. As is customary at the offertory, children in traditional Mexican attire and dressed like Juan Diego, brought floral bouquets to the altar.
On both occasions, Francis addressed the communities in Spanish, thanking Archbishop Roberto as a brother and a friend.
Photo shows Roberto, at left, with Hugh.