With deep respect and admiration for my mentors, picture Dr. Hosffman Ospino’s scholarly depth intertwined with the pastoral wisdom of Msgr. Arturo Bañuelas and the critical insights of my Madrina Carmen Nanko-Fernandez, inspired by the activism of Ada Maria Isazi Diaz’s storytelling – that’s the whirlwind I call home.
“I’m a Scholar-practitioner,” I recently replied to the age-old question, “So, what do you do?” And it’s true! My life is a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of academic inquiry and the messy beauty of everyday ministry.
For over two decades, I’ve tangoed with this passionate pursuit. I delve into the rich world of Catholic Social Teaching, Community Building, and leadership development, all while walking alongside vibrant Hispanic communities. My research isn’t just an intellectual pursuit to be merely written in words; it’s a quest to understand the stories whispered in Spanish, English, Spanglish, and Ingleñol prayers. Every laughter and struggle is a clue; every unspoken need is a whispered melody I strive to hear.
As National Advisor for Hispanic Engagement at Catholic Relief Services, I don’t just dispense cold knowledge. I share the hard-won wisdom distilled from countless conversations, a vibrant tapestry woven from the diverse threads of our U.S. Hispanic Church.
But this scholar-practitioner’s journey isn’t a solo act. It’s an invitation to all of us to question, challenge, and bridge the gaps between Sunday’s non-so-well-prepared homilies and condescending “pastoral care” and Monday-to-Saturday realities. When scholarship embraces lived experience, it invites us to challenge ourselves to build a U.S. Hispanic ministry that isn’t just relevant but a defining force in American Catholicism.
It’s a ministry pulsing with the rhythm of our communities, where faith becomes action and compassion builds bridges across divides. That’s what’s at stake here.
So, the next time you encounter a scholar-practitioner juggling books and ministry, don’t just watch. Join the dance! Bring your questions, your stories, and your unique gifts. Together, let’s weave a U.S. Hispanic ministry that not only reflects our vibrant kaleidoscope but one that radiates its beauty and transformative power to the world.
