Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Altamonte Springs marked National Hispanic Heritage Month with two days of events on October 4 and 5. The theme for the celebrations was “The Way of Hope,” aligning with the universal Catholic Church and coinciding with Pope Leo XIV’s “Jubilee of Migrants” observance.

Father Chris Dorsey, parochial administrator, and Father Duberney Rodas Grajalas, parochial vicar, led an opening procession and holy hour. They offered prayers for families, new immigrants, those who support them—including Catholic Charities of Central Florida—and young people.

More than 500 parishioners attended the weekend’s events, which featured a Vigil Mass in Spanish and a bilingual Sunday Mass. Devotions to the Blessed Mother under the title Virgen Madre de los Emigrantes were included, along with a cultural showcase highlighting Latin American food, music, and dance from South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

The Diocese of Orlando oversees St. Mary Magdalen Parish as part of its network that includes 79 parishes and covers nine counties across Central Florida. The diocese has been in existence since 1968 and is currently led by Bishop John Noonan. More information about the diocese can be found at https://www.orlandodiocese.org/.