I recently had the blessing of attending a team dinner for the “Cámbiame a mí Señor” (“Change Me Lord”) men’s retreat that has been taking place in the Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, for over 16 years. This gathering was a nice opportunity to enjoy a barbecue, get to know each other better, and share stories.

While chatting, the topic of how we came to this country came up. It was touching to hear the common denominator that almost all these servants of Christ had to go through many hardships, including hunger, danger, and even near death, in order to get to this country. At some point, many of them were in need, and today, they are actively serving in their parish communities and society in general. Many have started businesses and received blessings from God.

That made me reflect on the important contributions the majority of our Hispanic Catholic immigrant brothers and sisters make, bringing with them to this beautiful country their faith, devotion to family, hard work, spirit of celebration, and a great desire to excel.

In the 25 years that I served in the Diocese of Providence, I attended many vigils, retreats, Marian celebrations, posadas, and novenas — witnessing the faith and devotion of the Hispanic people to the Virgin of Guadalupe.

I remember the family of Pepe and Elia Ruiz, who have been serving on the diocesan Guadalupe committee for more than two decades, contributing generously with their time, talent, and treasure to make the Mass to the Virgin of Guadalupe a dignified and beautiful celebration. God has blessed them with a beautiful family and two Mexican food restaurants. They, too, have not forgotten their roots. Once a year, they return to their town, Piaxtla, in the state of Puebla, Mexico, where they collaborate with the celebration of the Virgin of the Assumption in the place where they were born.

Not long ago, I was talking with my friend Father Roberto Beirne, who told me, “How much life there is in the Hispanic communities and how much activity there is in every parish I visit.” It made me think of places like St. Patrick Parish in Providence, which has activities of different parish groups every day of the week — often using all the school’s classrooms.

Another great contribution that Hispanics bring is the love of family. A young man who serves with me in the parish choir recently had the joy of hosting some family members who migrated to the United States. He moved heaven and earth to help them financially until they could get jobs and support themselves. Such devotion to family is truly admirable.

In our own home my wife, Becky, and I have a tradition of gathering every other Sunday at my in-laws’ home to share with all my wife’s siblings and nieces and nephews. These family gatherings always begin with a prayer around the table, thanking God for the blessings received and praying for our needs. Afterward, there are conversations and board games with very special and fun times to create memories and strengthen our family bonds.

Another contribution is the strong work ethic. Hispanics are very hard workers; they contribute to the economy by doing jobs and occupations that no one else wants to do in many cases. Most immigrants I know are hardworking, entrepreneurial people and many of them have started small businesses, always with a great sense of self-improvement. So many names and faces come to mind of people who have developed companies and small businesses. Also, many of our parishes would have already closed if it were not for the presence and service of our Hispanic immigrant brothers and sisters.

Another contribution is the fiesta. In all the parishes I have visited, there have always been great celebrations, from patronal feasts to popular devotions, such as the feast of the Lord of Esquipulas, the Lord of Miracles, and many different Marian celebrations. These celebrations are full of joy, ethnic food, music, traditional dances, and piñata for the children and are moments where the sense of community is strengthened and also help to raise funds for the parish.

In addition, when a person passes away, the community always gathers to support the family and perform the traditional novena, praying for nine days after the burial Mass.

There are so many contributions that Hispanics bring to the church and society that it would take many articles, but, in this Hispanic Heritage Month, let us give thanks to God for the faith, devotion to family, work ethic, joy, and sense of community that Hispanic immigrants bring to our country.

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Silvio Cuéllar is a writer, liturgical music composer, and journalist. He was the coordinator of the Hispanic Ministry office and editor of El Católico de Rhode Island newspaper in the Diocese of Providence.