By Petra Alexander
Amongst Latinos, it is common to refer to El Salvador as, “The Little Thumb of the Americas,” referring to a well-known story of a very small character. However, El Salvador is a country with an intense Catholic life, strengthened by the saints of the last century, St. Oscar Romero, Father Rutilio Grande, the Jesuits of Central American University and so many Christians who gave their lives. They fulfilled the affirmation of Tertullian, an early Christian author, “Blood of martyrs, seed of Christianity.”
On Aug. 6, Salvadorean parishioners and clergy gathered to celebrate The Transfiguration of the Lord Mass at San Salvador Church in Colton. The chief celebrant was Monsignor Gerard Lopez, STL, Vicar General of the Diocese, who represented Bishop Alberto Rojas. The Mass was concelebrated with parish pastor, Father Moises Henriquez, FMM, Father Nelson Bonilla FMM, Father Bryant Rivas and Father Andres Rivera, all of whom are Salvadorean. Deacons Manuel Vides and Hernan Calderon, also from El Salvador, were also present. Msgr. Lopez stated that it was not a coincidence that the parish of San Salvador, where Fr. Henriquez, opened the doors to receive us with generous hospitality, is so blessed.
The Salvadorean Catholics who were present at the Mass processed into the Church with images and symbols that unite the community including the flag of El Salvador, Our Lady of Peace, St. Oscar Romero and the Divine Savior of the World. The colors of the blue and white flag waved in the breeze as if to receive these people who have suffered much and who, in the diaspora, work hard to get ahead.
In his homily Fr. Henriquez spoke about the importance of keeping alive the roots of faith and culture.
“We come from a physical homeland called El Salvador [The Savior], we are a people who believe in Jesus Christ…and through this encounter [today] we renew these Christian roots from where we come,” Fr. Henriquez said.
Fr. Henriquez also spoke about how Jesus, in His Transfiguration, invites us to participate in His divinity. This is why it is important to “climb the mountain with Jesus” to grow spiritually because “if we are spiritually well, we can illuminate the reality in which we find ourselves,” Fr. Henriquez added.
The consul for El Salvador in San Bernardino, Manuel Flores, expressed how happy he is with the celebration of this tradition and that as it is repeated, it is growing with more voices and hearts. One of those voices was that of Ana Maria Medran, who sang popular songs that encouraged all present. Another was Maria Alvarenga, who with great hospitality, prepared the food for the event and helped to serve it, along with a group of women, in the parish patio offering pupusas and aguas frescas.
In addition to giving thanks to God for this celebration, we are left with the echo of the promises of St. Oscar Romero, “If they kill me, I will resurrect in the Salvadorean People.” Our prayer is for the new generations, so that the children of these immigrants guard the deposit and continue faithful to the faith of their parents.
Petra Alexander is the Director of Hispanic Affairs for the Diocese of San Bernardino.