At Catholic Charities of New York, we serve alongside a network of people from many different backgrounds, united by a shared mission to provide and create hope. We’re committed to upholding the dignity of each person and ensure they feel both seen and heard. Each year, from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month offers a meaningful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural legacy, resilience, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States.
At Catholic Charities, this celebration is more than symbolic — it reflects our daily service to a diverse and vibrant community.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the incredible influences and traditions that enrich our lives. Across our programs, we serve individuals and families whose roots span many countries around the world.
This year, we invited members of our Catholic Charities team from Puerto Rico, Spain, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay to reflect on what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them personally and how it connects to the work we do together.
Reflecting on Family, Identity, and the Journey
For many, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of deep personal reflection. It’s a chance to remember the sacrifices of parents and grandparents, to take pride in where we come from, and to recognize how our roots shape who we are today.
Christina Perez, Associate Director of Agency Relations, said “Hispanic Heritage Month is really a great time to reflect on what my family did to come to this country; to connect back to our roots, grow in family, love, and truth, and represent all of us as one voice.”
Hispanic and Latino communities are not monolithic. Each culture brings its own traditions, flavors, stories, and music. Yet there is a deep sense of unity that comes from shared values of family, hospitality, and resilience.
Lucia Goyen, Director of Day Laborer Programs at Catholic Charities New York said, “Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate where we come from, share our culture, and recognize all that Latinos and Hispanics contribute to society. Our differences make us stronger, and our shared love of coming together around food, around family, is what unites us.”
Grounded in Advocacy: A Voice for the Community
For Paola Martinez, Director of Government Relations at Catholic Charities, Hispanic Heritage Month is not only about celebration — it’s about advocacy, leadership, and taking action for the communities we represent. She reflects on what it means to represent Latinx culture while working to uplift the voices and needs of others.
“As an immigrant from the Dominican Republic living in New York City, I am proud to represent my Hispanic heritage, our contributions, and our culture. I like to support small businesses, particularly those owned by Latinxs, every day of the year, but more so during Hispanic Heritage Month,” she said.
In her role, Martinez builds connections between Catholic Charities and key decision-makers who influence policy and resources for vulnerable communities. “Part of my work is to work with different stakeholders to identify opportunities to uplift our communities and their needs,” Martinez said.
A Personal Commitment to Culture and Service
Leadership at Catholic Charities carries a deep personal connection to Hispanic heritage. For J. Antonio Fernandez, Chief Executive Officer, Hispanic Heritage Month is not only about celebrating culture, but about the power of language, faith, and shared identity in building stronger communities.
With roots in Spain and a family connection to Puerto Rico, Fernandez brings a multicultural perspective to his role. His words remind us that celebration isn’t just about looking back — it’s also about honoring how Hispanic cultures continue to shape our communities and country today.
“As someone from Spain with a Puerto Rican wife, I see how powerful it is to connect with others in their language, especially through faith, food, music, and community. We celebrate everyone, and this month is a reminder of how much Hispanics have helped shape places like New York,” he said.
Celebrating Through Service
From immigration legal services and food pantries to workforce development and family support, Catholic Charities programs reflect the deep connection Catholic Charities with Hispanic communities. Many of our services are bilingual and bicultural, ensuring that individuals can receive care and support in a way that honors their identity and dignity.
“I am grateful to be part of an organization with strong Latinx leaders whose experience on the ground has helped so many people,” said Martinez.
Whether it’s a caseworker greeting someone in their native Spanish, an agency hosting a cultural celebration, or a food pantry distributing traditional ingredients, we believe service and celebration go hand in hand.
As we recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, we also recommit ourselves to the values that guide our mission year-round: providing help and creating hope.
“Many clients approach me and speak to me about the great work that the Catholic Church does, and they do it in Spanish because they feel more comfortable doing that,” said Fernandez.
Let us continue to uplift Hispanic voices, celebrate their stories, and walk forward together.
