In my explorations of the Church, the profound ecclesiological concepts of the Sense of Faith (Sensus Fidei) and the Sense of the Faithful (Sensus Fidelium) have constantly fascinated me.
Sensus Fidei, the first notion, speaks to the believers’ unwavering certainty in the fundamental truths of the faith. Described by the Second Vatican Council in Lumen Gentium, n. 12, it emphasizes that “Due to their anointing by the Holy Spirit, the whole body of the faithful possesses a sure sense of the faith.“
The second notion, Sensus Fidelium, delves into the role of the faithful in actively living and expressing their faith as a community of believers, emphasizing the communal understanding and embodiment of faith rather than individual interpretation.
These two notions lack definitive definitions or explanations, aligning with the synodal nature of our theology. This encourages a genuine commitment to being a church consistently guided by the eternal presence of the Holy Spirit, transcending reliance on intellectual, temporal, and imperfect human-made constructions.
Why am I sharing this?
After a couple of years of attaching the phrase Sensus Fidelium Hispanorum to my name, it was about time to tell why I am drawn to this powerful yet simple concept: Sensus Fidelium Hispanorum. It’s not just a fancy Latin phrase but a beacon guiding my approach to ministry. You might say it’s the “secret sauce” I sprinkle on everything, from language revitalization to leadership development, civic engagement, fostering the Hispanic presence in the U.S., and even raising my kid.
Sensus Fidelium Hispanorum embodies the belief that the faithful, the baptized–in my contextualized practice of ministry, the Latino faithfulβpossess an instinctual ability to sense God’s presence and divine plan. It speaks to the inherent wisdom within the baptizedβnot only the ordained and vowedβto grasp God’s presence and purpose intuitively without needing rigid structures or clerical pronouncements. It’s a potent antidote to clericalism that stifles the tendency to keep the people of God at arm’s length from their full potential.
While reviewing the acts and proceedings of the 2nd and 3rd National Encuentros, the phrase ‘Sensus Fidelium Hispanorum’ leaped from the pages. Though the exact reference eludes me, it echoes the sentiments and pastoral wisdom of el Maestro Edgar Beltran (RIP), a pioneer of the Encuentros. This encapsulating notion became the guiding framework for everything I stand for in ministry.
Ironically, I’m not aligned with the movement in the Catholic Church to revert to celebrating the Eucharist in Latin, given my limited Latin proficiency from four compulsory semesters in college. However, the theological notion expressed in its Latin form, Sensus Fidelium Hispanorum, ‘against all odds,’ has become an integral part of my professional identity as a minister.
This manifests in my work at Catholic Relief Services, where I champion leadership development tailored to Hispanic contexts, investing in theological formation that honors their cultural richness. It fuels my passion for empowering the laity, celebrating languages like Spanish, and promoting civic engagement among Latino communities as an expression of faith.
So, yes, the Sensus Fidelium Hispanorumis my ministerial ‘why.’ It’s why I champion leadership development, particularly but not exclusively among the Hispanic community, invest in theological and pastoral formation among Latinos, and tirelessly support the flourishing of diverse cultural communities within the Church. It’s not only my battle cry but a constant reminder that God’s grace works and operates not only through rigid structures but in the very hearts of the baptized.
For me, this embodies the essence of ministry, which extends to actively engaging Hispanics in social justice initiatives.
As a framework, the notion of the Sensus Fidelium Hispanorum isn’t about me or exclusively for Hispanics. It’s a universal call to listen to the wisdom within every person, regardless of background or language. It’s an invitation to co-create a Church where the Holy Spirit breathes through diverse expressions of faith, guided by the collective sensus fidelium.
So, how can you embrace the Sensus Fidelium Hispanorum?, I invite you to amplify the voices of Hispanics in the U.S. Catholic Church. Our stories, experiences, and faith journeys are integral to the narrative of the Church in America. In doing so, we honor the diversity within our faith community and acknowledge the unique gifts that Hispanics bring to the Church, fostering a deeper sense of unity and solidarity.
