St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Altamonte Springs, celebrates the rich Hispanic Catholic faith traditions and saints in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct 15). On Oct. 4-5, the parish offered two days of prayer and celebrations with the theme “The Way of Hope” in solidarity with the universal Catholic Church. This same weekend Pope Leo XIV led the “Jubilee of Migrants.”

Father Chris Dorsey, parochial administrator, and Father Duberney Rodas Grajalas, parochial vicar, led an opening procession and holy hour with prayers for all families, for new immigrants, for those who accompany them such as Catholic Charities of Central Florida, and for the young people who are the hope of the world.

The celebrations were attended by more than 500 parishioners and included a Vigil Mass in Spanish, a bilingual Sunday Mass, devotions to the Blessed Mother (Virgen Madre de los Emigrantes) and a cultural showcase of Latin foods, song and dance from South America, Central America and the Caribbean.