Puerto Ricans in U.S., on island have strong ties, says archbishop

Published: 2007-11-26

CHICAGO (CNS) -- Archbishop Roberto O. Gonzalez was born in New Jersey, but shortly thereafter moved to Puerto Rico with his family. Since then, the archbishop of San Juan, Puerto Rico, has traveled between the island and the mainland United States many times. "I think I've traveled back and forth almost every year since I was 3," said Archbishop Gonzalez, 57. Going back and forth is common among Puerto Ricans, and one of the reasons for the strong ties between those who live in the U.S. and those who live on the island, said the archbishop, who visited Chicago recently to celebrate Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Divine Providence, the patroness of Puerto Rico. Pope Paul VI named her the island's patroness in 1969, but Puerto Ricans had a devotion to her as far back as 1850, he said. Her feast day is Nov. 19, which is the anniversary of the discovery of the island. "In Puerto Rico, it's a major civic holiday as well," said Archbishop Gonzalez. "Every parish has a Mass, and there are processions, and in the afternoon in San Juan there is a 'rosario cantado' -- a sung rosary. Many parishes have novenas or triduums in preparation."

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