Mexican-American nun tells Hispanics not to lose cultural heritage

Published: 2006-06-13

NOTRE DAME, Ind. (CNS) -- A Mexican-American nun told Hispanic youths not to lose their cultural identity as they become increasingly a part of the U.S. church and society. Hispanics must maintain their cultural heritage if they are to achieve self-esteem and be leaders in a growing cross-cultural world, said Mercy Sister Maria Elena Gonzalez, president of the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio. Hispanics also must be ready to assume leadership roles in the U.S. church as their growing numbers soon should make them the majority, said Sister Gonzalez. Her cultural center trains people for Hispanic and multicultural ministry. The aim of Hispanic church leadership should be to "build unity in our diversity," she said June 9 during a keynote talk at the National Encuentro for Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Ministry at the University of Notre Dame. The June 8-11 "encuentro," Spanish for "gathering," was the first national meeting of its kind. Its theme was "Weaving Together the Future."

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