'Special Feeling'

New York's Puerto Ricans anticipate parade, events honoring their heritage

By SOCRATES PALMER

A week before flags are waved feverishly by bystanders and before any floats glide down Fifth Avenue, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade is initiated with a Mass in St. Patrick's Cathedral that celebrates the heritage and accomplishments of New York's Puerto Rican community.

On Sunday, June 1, the 14—year tradition continued as Puerto Rican Catholics from the tri—state area gathered for the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade Mass, which began a week of Puerto Rican cultural events and festivities leading to the June 8 parade.

Pageantry, patriotism and pride were on display during the Mass, which was celebrated in both English and Spanish with WNJU/Telemundo47 news anchor Jose Ramos welcoming the congregation.

After a colorful entrance procession of celebrants, altar servers, members of the U.S. armed forces, Mass organizers and groups including the Daughters of Mary, Cardinal Egan greeted the congregation, telling them in Spanish that Puerto Ricans are pioneers among Hispanics in New York and an evolving part of the fabric of the area's life.

He noted the importance of the parade, saying it has contributed to the pride and patriotism of generations of Puerto Ricans in New York.

"Keep up your strong roles within the archdiocese, and continue to be leaders and examples of leadership. Welcome to your cathedral and may God bless you all," the cardinal said.

The cathedral was adorned with traditional Puerto Rican items representing the commonwealth's culture. The Puerto Rican flag, fruits, musical instruments and a statue representing the island's patroness, Our Lady of Divine Providence, were brought up to the altar prior to the presentation of the offertory gifts.

Msgr. Robert T. Ritchie, rector of the cathedral who was main celebrant and homilist, also spoke of the importance of the Puerto Rican Parade.

"Why do we have a parade? The city has many parades. The Puerto Rican Parade is the biggest, andÉit's an expression of pride and love of not only their island but their presence in New York City," Msgr. Ritchie said.

He also spoke of the importance of family in Puerto Rican culture.

"Family is a very essential role in Puerto Rican life. A lot of effort is made to keep and maintain this in a household," he said.

"Religion and faith play a tremendous role in family life; it's a big force. It is very difficult to have that foundation of family without it," Msgr. Ritchie said.

"Today we pray for the success of the parade, but let's also pray for our families as well. Without Christ we are nothing. He is our foundation. The same goes with our families—Christ is the foundation of a strong family," he said.

This year's parade, which kicks off at 11 a.m. on June 8, is dedicated to the city of Lajas in southwestern Puerto Rico—a scenic area that has become a popular destination for tourists.

Cardinal Luis Aponte Martinez, retired archbishop of San Juan and a native of Lajas, is scheduled to march in the parade, making history as the first Puerto Rican archbishop to participate in the parade.

After the Mass, Fordham University student Lydia Rhein of the Bronx told CNY that she has been a supporter of the parade since her childhood.

"The Mass is as important as the parade itself," Ms. Rhein said.

"It really inspires me and gives me a strong spiritual sense. I'm here every year with my mother and it's a special feeling every time," she said.

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