Preaching the Mystery of Faith

and the homilist should learn from it and relate to it with respect and sensi tivity. 59 This requires exposure to the people’s neighborhoods or barrios , their homes and associations, and even their countries of origin, if at all possi ble. As with any cultural group, people appreciate pastors and preachers who cultivate personal relationships with them and demonstrate a willingness to move beyond their comfort zones and enter the world of the “other.” In this regard Spanish-language ability is an urgent need. Opportunities for pastoral immersion experiences in Latin America can also have an important forma tive impact. Seminaries and permanent diaconate formation programs are urged to include Spanish-language preparation and proper exposure to His panic cultures into their programs of priestly formation. 60 Of particular relevance for preachers who wish to connect with these congregations are the serious social, economic, and political struggles of the Hispanic/Latino poor. The Church in the United States, like U.S. society as a whole, is characterized by a growing gap between those who are well off and can live comfortably, and a significant working class—many of them His panic/Latino—who increasingly find it difficult to make ends meet. Hispanics face daunting issues such as a lack of access to education and medical care, crime, poor housing, youth at risk, and immigration concerns. The effective preacher will be aware of and acknowledge people’s struggle for a better life in the United States and in their countries of origin. At the same time, however, the homily should not replicate civic or political discourse. Especially in the context of the Eucharist, people want to hear God’s word robustly and reverently proclaimed. The preacher is suc cessful if he plumbs the depths of the Scripture and, when appropriate, recalls stories about Mary and the saints. The people want the preacher to witness to

59 See Sacrosanctum Concilium , no. 13; Lumen Gentium ( Dogmatic Constitution on the Church ), no. 67; Marialis Cultus ( www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_exhortations/documents/ hf_p-vi_exh_19740202_marialis-cultus_en.html ), nos. 30-31; and the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Directory on Popular Piety and the Lit urgy: Principles and Guidelines ( www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/ rc_con_ccdds_doc_20020513_vers-direttorio_en.html ). 60 “Seminarians must learn Spanish and become familiar with Hispanic culture. Also, provide clergy and religious with opportunities to learn Spanish and to gain an understanding of the customs, cultures, and histories of Latin America. This is no longer an option—it is a need” ( Encuentro and Mission , no. 55, 2c); PPF, 5th edition, nos. 172, 182, 189, and 228.

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