The Catholic faith, deeply intertwined with my Latino background and influenced by the experiences of my immigrant parents, has provided me with a sense of purpose, community and spiritual fulfillment that has enriched every aspect of my life.
Catholicism has been a source of immense strength and resilience for me, serving as a bridge between the experiences of my parents and my diverse cultural experiences in the urban fabric of Chicago, where I was born and raised.
The colorful tapestry of Latino Catholicism is woven into the fabric of Chicago. Shaped by the sacrifices and dreams of my parents, it has infused my faith with a deep sense of celebration, passion and devotion. From the lively celebrations of cultural feast days to the heartfelt expressions of faith, my upbringing has enriched my faith, imbuing it with a profound sense of gratitude and perseverance.
The Catholic Church has provided a spiritual home where my roots can flourish and where I can embrace the values of family, community and solidarity. The Church’s emphasis on unity and the importance of family has resonated deeply with me, reinforcing the bonds of love, respect and support that were foundational in my upbringing.
Additionally, the teachings of Jesus, particularly the beatitudes, and passed on by the Catholic Church, have played a pivotal role in shaping my moral compass and guiding my ethical decisions. The Church’s commitment to social justice and the dignity of every person has been a beacon of hope, inspiring me to advocate for the rights and well-being of my immigrant community. The call to embrace compassion, uphold the sanctity of life and work for the common good reflects the values I hold dear.
Furthermore, the intellectual tradition of Catholicism, encountered within the diverse intellectual landscape of Chicago and shaped by the aspirations of my immigrant parents, has deepened my understanding of the world and enriched my spiritual journey. The fusion of faith and reason within the Catholic intellectual tradition has empowered me to engage in meaningful dialogue, seek knowledge and explore the complexities of faith.
My Catholic faith is not just a belief system but a way of life, providing me with a sense of belonging to a global community of believers. I am grateful for the spiritual, intellectual and moral guidance that the Catholic Church has provided me, and I am committed to living out my faith with humility, compassion and love, honoring both my faith and the diverse experiences and aspirations that have shaped my family and me.
Cortez, 45, is the Latino liturgy coordinator at St. Odilia in Shoreview. She also is a parishioner there with her husband, Enrique, and their two teenage boys. She is “passionate about assisting families with any kind of need.” She also likes the outdoors, gardening and traveling to Mexico, her parents’ homeland.
“Why I am Catholic” is an ongoing series in The Catholic Spirit. Want to share why you’re Catholic? Submit your story in 300-500 words to CatholicSpirit@archspm.org with “Why I Am Catholic” in the subject line.
