Although most in attendance at the diocesan Hispanic Fiesta had heard the message before, they were renewed in the promise of Christ “that He will always be with us, that His love is our source of strength that sustains us in our tribulations.”

Deacon Jose Gonzalez, the first ordained Hispanic deacon in the Diocese of Richmond, gave this message in the homily at the Fiesta held June 19 at St. Mary Church in Richmond. The liturgy was entirely in Spanish.

It is through faith in Jesus’ promise and through the strength imparted by the living memories of our loved ones that we can overcome life’s difficulties, said Deacon Gonzalez, assigned at St. Joseph Parish in Hampton.

Speaking about the Ascension of Christ after His resurrection, Deacon Gonzalez said the second reading of the Mass urged Christian believers to continue His mission with the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Let us not be passive,” he said. “If we have not already begun the work of Jesus, let us begin now.”

Like the Apostles before us, the Gospels say that Jesus wants His followers to remember that “I will be with you always,” reminding us that the presence of Jesus is guaranteed until the end of time.

In closing, Deacon Gonzalez quoted Pope Benedict XVI who said: “Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon.”

Msgr. Michael Schmied, pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Richmond and the first Vicar of the diocesan Hispanic Apostolate (1996-2006) presided at the Mass. Among the concelebrants was Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo who gave his message in Spanish to the approximately 400 members of the congregation at the end of Mass.

“You are vital and integral members of our faith community and society,” Bishop DiLorenzo said. “Hispanics now comprise a major portion of our diocesan family and you play a vital role in the present and future of the Church in Richmond.”

He re-emphasized the message of Deacon Gonzalez’s homily, saying, “Christ is calling you to evangelize and help sanctify His people and build His Church.”

Other priests who concelebrated were Fathers Jonathan Goertz, Ralph Hamlet, Daniel Kelly, Edwin Montañez and Jay Wagner. Deacon Bernard Taylor also assisted and Armando DeLeon, a candidate for the diaconate in the Diocese of Richmond, served as Minister of Celebration.

A second celebration beyond the liturgy was held on the grounds of St. Mary’s. Maria Garcia Lara and her husband Javier Lara donated food for the fiesta.