Hispanic Heritage Month

A Letter from Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month which begins on September 15, 2023 and continues through October 15, 2023, is an opportune time for our entire diocese to behold the precious gift you and your family are to our ecclesial community. Thank you for the faith, hope, and love you bring to prayer, worship, and daily life in all your diversity as Hispanic, Latino, and Latina Catholics. Your reverence and enthusiasm are truly an inspiration to us all.

As your bishop, I want you to know how excited I am about what you bring to the Church each and every day. Last winter we convened in Ravenna for the First Annual Hispanic Ministry Summit. We are doing our best to grow the Hispanic community in the six counties of our diocese.

I am delighted that we now have a Spanish speaking priest assigned to all of our Hispanic communities. Please pray for Father Frassati Davis, O.P., Father Ernesto Rodriguez, Father Fritz Schlueter, Father Connor Hetzel and all our priests along with our diocesan coordinator, Cristina Hernandez who serve you in ministry.

Earlier this year the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops overwhelmingly approved a new National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry. I look forward with your help to implementing this plan in our diocese. Some of the priorities of this plan call for formation, accompaniment of families, immigration and advocacy, care for those living on the margins, engagement with youth and young adults and promoting vocations.

We all have much to give, and we do not want to leave anyone behind. During this month of celebration, I ask that you be intentional in your prayer for the success of the Hispanic Ministry in our diocese and ever so grateful to God for the gift that you are to this local Church. Know of my continued prayers, love, and support for you and your family and community.

Together, let us pray, “That All May Be One.”

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown