COLUMBIA — On Oct. 12, the Office of Hispanic Ministry will host “Dia de la Raza/Dia de la Hispanidad,” a diocesan celebration of Hispanic cultures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. John Neumann Church.
“Dia de la Raza/Dia de la Hispanidad,” the Day of the Race/the Day of the Hispanic, is an effort to celebrate the Hispanic heritage of the Americas. The event will feature festivities designed to recognize and celebrate the gifts of people of Hispanic origin within the Diocese of Charleston. Bishop Robert J. Baker will ordain two diaconate candidates, Diego Ferro and Gabriel Cuervo, the first Hispanic deacons trained in the diocese.
The event is designed to initiate a sense of cohesiveness among the Hispanic populations, document the history of Hispanic Catholics in the diocese, provide educational materials by resources such as Catholic Charities and the Office of Legal and Immigration Services, and recognize the leadership among the Hispanic communities and the youth, according to Kathleen Merritt, director of the Office of Ethnic Ministries.
The family-oriented festival will commence with a procession of Latino countries represented in the state, dances and skits, informational programs and a luncheon.
The cost of the luncheon is $5 for adults and $3 for children age 6 and under. Register as soon as possible by calling the Office of Ethnic Ministries at (864) 234-9009 ext. 118.