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The language of youth: bilingual By Michael D. Wamble Is it a right turn, or a left turn? These are likely some of the thoughts that raced through Claudia Guzman’s mind, as she stood before parish representatives and priests and bishops of Illinois, awaiting the OK to go forth. Guzman, 18, was one of 42 members of Horizontes Mexicanos, the folk dance troupe that entered first onto the Field of Faith at the start of the vigil Mass. As hard as it must have been to calm their nerves, it is equally difficult to miss the symbolism of Hispanics leading the way for the Chicago Archdiocese. Roughly 31 percent of all Catholics in Cook and Lake counties, by language or ethnicity could be described as Hispanic. That percentage is rising. Two years ago, 12 of the 800 archdiocesan priests were Hispanic. Today it is 17. These newly-ordained understand something Father Esequiel Sanchez told The Catholic New World in 1998, when he was named director of Hispanic Ministry: “Hispanic spirituality is an expression of devotion.” An example of that devotion was the sojourn of “peregrinos” (pilgrim walkers) from 10 churches in Pilsen and Little Village, two predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods, to Soldier Field. Camera crews may have clicked away at colorful parish banners, but they were unable to capture the heartfelt prayers the ever-expanding number made to Our Lady of Guadalupe; to God, the Father; to God, the Son; and to God, the Holy Spirit. Large communal displays are but one way bilingual Catholics express their faith. Stanley and Rosie Vecwikiel are a part of a ministry team at Mary, Queen of Heaven in Cicero, that works with Spanish-speaking young people. The couple joined over 100 teens from the parish. “There is a huge Latino population in Cicero,” said Stanley. “Every parish is a reflection of its own community…still there is a special feeling you get from being with so many different people,” he said. Horizontes Mexicanos itself was formed in 1988 at St. Agnes Parish in a effort to provide a spiritual and cultural outlet for parish youth by the Missionary Daughters of St. Pius V. Whereas demographics point to the aging of Anglo groups in the church, youth, like Claudia, 18, and her brother Renato, 13, are quietly acknowledged as the present and future of the Chicago church. “This was exhilarating,” said Renato, with a smile stuck on his face. And as long as there is joy in their dance of faith, young Hispanics may continue to make right turns through parish doors.
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