April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
SPANISH-SPEAKERS
Shrine church celebrates quinceaneras for teens
Linda was going to celebrate her quinceanera at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Americas in Albany, a mission of Blessed Sacrament parish. Quinceaneras, during which girls of 15 celebrate the transition from childhood to adulthood, are a deep-rooted religious tradition in many Latin American cultures.
"When the Spaniards came to the Americas, there were many native people who had [such] celebrations," said Sister Grace Diaz, SNJM, pastoral associate at Our Lady of the Americas. "The Spaniards also had [similar] traditions, so they kind of merged. It's really a celebration of life and gratitude of God."
A quinceanera consists of a Mass of thanksgiving and a celebratory reception and dance. At the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Americas, where the majority of parishioners are Spanish-speakers, the focus is placed on the religious aspect of the celebration.
First, there's a preparation meeting between catechist Griselle Maldonado-Torres, the family of the girl wishing to make her quinceanera and Rev. Francis O'Connor, the shrine church's chaplain. The evening before the celebration, there's also a rehearsal for the liturgy.
"It's a regular Mass," Mrs. Maldonado-Torres explained, but "some things are added to highlight the celebration."
For example, Scripture readings are usually done by family members or friends of the teenager; the priest also blesses both the girl and the traditional gifts of a Bible and rosary, given to her by her godparents. Different Latin American cultures bring varied traditions to quinceanera celebrations.
"In Puerto Rico, usually the quinceaneras wear white dresses," said Mrs. Maldonado-Torres, although she noted that "nowadays, they are getting more modern with their colors."
Her own daughter chose lime green and lilac-colored decorations at her celebration, but still wore a white dress.
Mexican culture usually dictates giving elaborate quinceanera gifts like jewelry, said Mrs. Maldonado-Torres: "One person will bring earrings; another person will bring a nice chain; another person will bring a nice ring."
When Linda, now almost 16, made her quinceanera last year at the shrine church, she noted that the Mass was "special for me. It was nice having all my family together for me in church. I was happy to see everyone be happy for me."
Turning 15 is significant in many ways, she told The Evangelist. It means that she is ready to make her confirmation, to take care of children and to add responsibilities in life and in the Church.
During Linda's quinceanera, her family presented her with many gifts. In accordance with one custom, she received her last doll from her parents and danced with it.
But "the most special part is your dad had to change your flats [for] heels," Linda told The Evangelist. "It's your transition into womanhood." After her father placed the new shoes on her feet, there was a traditional father/daughter dance; in addition, her mother took a flower from Linda's hair and replaced it with a tiara.
Although these traditions are an important aspect of the quinceanera celebration, both Sister Grace and Mrs. Maldonado-Torres stressed that the focus should be on faith.
"In church, it's really about how important it is to become a woman," Linda agreed: Teenagers making their quinceanera are expected to prepare themselves spiritually by reading materials supplied by the parish about the expectations and responsibilities of adulthood as a Catholic.
"It's a rite of passage," Sister Grace told The Evangelist. "The focus that the parish has is on the celebration of the Mass and having the special blessing for the young girl."
"We are in God's house," stressed Mrs. Maldonado-Torres, who helps prepare the girls. "The families are very proud. It's an honor for them. My role is to help them have the most beautiful Mass ever."
(For information, call the Shrine Church of Our Lady of the Americas at 518-465-3685 or go to www.ourladyoftheamericas.org.)[[In-content Ad]]
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