Another cherished time for me comes courtesy of my occupation. As part of the Chancery staff, I have been tasked with capturing moments of diocesan history through the lens of my camera. Mostly, this involves focusing on priests and bishops, but there are times when the lay faithful become the subject of my humble attempts to freeze the fleeting. In these stolen moments, I am privileged to glimpse into an individual’s relationship with Christ: a moving and cherished experience, indeed.

In this vein, one event stands out in my mind. Last year, the diocese co-sponsored a conference at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville to highlight the diocesan Year of the Parish and Eucharist. Following the Mass celebrated by Bishop Raica, featured speakers gave a presentation in either English or Spanish. After covering several speakers, the tent for Spanish-speakers was scheduled to feature Father Pedro Nuñez. I was familiar with Father Pedro from his previous visits to the diocese, but I had never attended one of his talks. Hoping to capture something new, I awaited his arrival.

Unbeknownst to me, Father processed to the tent with the Blessed Sacrament in hand. As the priest approached with the monstrance, the faithful fell to the asphalt on their knees; eyes closed, arms raised, and tears flowing. The sincerity of heart and passion for our Lord was breathtaking. It was one of the few times I have truly felt guilty releasing the shutter. The purity and unashamed nature of their worship was foreign yet inspiring. I no longer saw those under this tent of Spanish-speakers as people I couldn’t understand; rather, I saw them as people I wanted to emulate.

I believe my experience, in some small way, embodies the words Bishop Raica writes in this issue: “As a faith family, we are ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, and APOSTOLIC.” I don’t speak Spanish, or Korean, or Vietnamese. Others in our diocese don’t speak English, but that isn’t the point. We are all brothers and sisters made in His image. As this holiday season approaches, may we cherish our moments with family and friends, realizing that they and all we encounter are members of the Body of Christ. It is my hope that the stories in this issue give justice to the power of faith and love of God exemplified by so many in the Hispanic community.