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On the 30th anniversary of the archdiocesan Mass for Our Lady of the Divine Providence, patroness of Puerto Rico, a visiting bishop from Puerto Rico called on the congregation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to reflect on whether God “reigns in our lives.”
Bishop Eusebio Ramos Morales of the Diocese of Fajardo-Humacao posed the question at the Nov. 21 Mass because the Puerto Rican observance coincided with the feast of Christ the King this year.
The Mass was also dedicated to all those who have died as a result of natural disasters in recent years.
“I’m happy to be here with the Puerto Rican community to celebrate this feast day with you,” said Bishop Ramos, who is the first bishop of the Diocese of Fajardo-Humacao in northeastern Puerto Rico, which was created in 2008.
Reminding the Mass-goers that “in God’s word today, his message is to celebrate Christ the King,” the bishop said God’s love must live in all of us and that his love is manifested in us when we serve others in a selfless way.
“We need to open our hearts to him and be there for our brothers and sisters,” Bishop Ramos said. “It’s time to proclaim his love and carry his message he gave us the power to be his tools and to bring his love to others. It is our duty.”
The Mass recognizing the spiritual matriarch of Puerto Rico is customarily celebrated on the third Sunday of November, although Nov. 19 is the actual feast day.
Our Lady of the Divine Providence has been Puerto Rico’s patroness since 1969, when Pope Paul VI proclaimed her as such. Bishop Ramos said Mary is an example of fidelity who should be revered for showing us the how to live our faith.
“I pray to the Holy Mother to please continue to construct and mold citizens with Christian values,” he said.
The Mass had a larger than usual turnout, with some credit probably going to an adjustment in scheduling. Previously, special Masses like that one were celebrated at 2 p.m., but this year many were timed to coincide with the regularly scheduled Spanish language offered each Sunday at 4 p.m.
Carmen Santiago, a Bronx resident and parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi, was attending the cathedral Mass for the second year. A native of Villa Alba, Puerto Rico, she said that paying homage to Our Lady of the Divine Providence is a custom that she has observed since childhood.
“The Mass was beautiful, I loved it,” she said. “And in reference to the homily, I do believe that for us to live our faith to the fullest Christ must live in our hearts—and we must realize and see that Christ is in our neighbors’ hearts as well.”
Ms. Santiago, in fact, was accompanied by her next-door neighbor, who gave her name as Milagros and who called the Mass a symbol of family values and tradition.
At the conclusion of the Mass the statue of Our Lady of the Divine Providence, which adorned the steps leading up to the altar, was taken via caravan procession from St. Patrick’s Cathedral to St. Ann’s Church, 3519 Bainbridge Ave. in the Bronx, where it will remain for a year. Visitations are encouraged.
