Ninety-five percent (95%) of our active members are Mexican and devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The vast majority are poor, so it could well be said that the celebration of their Independence Day has been “a celebration among the poor.”

Our parish is the union of three parishes, hence its name: Mount Carmel, Saint Benedicta, and Saint Mary of the Assumption. Originally, two of the parishes were mostly Italian and Irish. With the arrival of Mexican immigrants in the early 90s to Staten Island, Saint Mary became the church of the Mexicans. Of the 17 Latinos who started Mass in Spanish, we now have an average of 2,000 parishioners weekly. The Latino population has multiplied from its small beginnings on the north shore of Staten Island. The Archdiocese of New York entrusted the pastoral care of the parish to the Society of Jesus in 2003.

We currently operate in the building of Mount Carmel. Thanks to the generosity of Miss Libby Guardiani and our Jesuit Province (UNE), we have carried out a serious renovation of the church, school, rectory, and Jesuit residence. Our parishioners identify with us, and they are proud to belong to a parish that not only promotes their cultural and religious identity but also welcomes them and wants to be, in the words of Pope Francis, “A Church that is home for all.”

According to New York City statistics, Port Richmond is one of the places with the poorest people (21%). One in 14 residents is unemployed. The undocumented population is the vast majority. Although many live in the shadows, our parishioners feel fully identified and integrated into our parish, which has become a community of communities. All our activities, including this celebration of Mexican Independence Day, revolve around Our Lady of Guadalupe who protects us and whose flag we fly at the beginning of each celebration.

In the words of Pope Francis, “Mexico is a country of enormous wealth, a place that surprises, that has an ancient culture… The Mexican people (have) the ability to be happy despite the great tragedies (that) can only be explained because of (the loving protection) Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

With our children dancing, as well as the young people and adults, it is all the faithful people who celebrate. That is why our church promotes Mexican folkloric ballet, mariachi music, and the sale of regional Mexican food. Adults and children have enjoyed the “Grito de Dolores” and I have given the tricolor flag to the young people. The joy of this festival leads to commitment where both men and women live their faith both in the Mass and in the procession, including meals and dancing. That is why celebrating the Independence of Mexico is celebrating faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary and a celebration among the poor.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven,” (Matthew 5:3).

Happy Independence Day!