Spanish Customs Create a Joyful Celebration of Bishop Malloy’s Service
By Margarita Mendoza, Editor El Observador
May 19, 2022
AURORA—Bishop David Malloy, the first Spanish-speaking bishop of the Diocese of Rockford, was celebrated, by invitation from the Hispanic community, with a Mass at St. Joseph Parish, here. The May 15 Mass marked the 10th anniversary of Bishop Malloy’s ordination and installation as the ninth bishop of Rockford and was concelebrated by more than a dozen Hispanic priests.
During his homily, Bishop Malloy said that “God allows us to use our freedom while we search for our place in … creation.” He also spoke about the successes and failures of Paul and Barnabas in their evangelization work in Asia. “It wasn’t easy, but they were guided by the Holy Spirit.”
Catholic hymns were sung by the mariachi band La Michoacana.
At the end of the Mass, Msgr. Arquimedes Vallejo, Vicar for Hispanic Community, thanked Bishop Malloy for his service and presented him with a huge cake, topped with a three-dimensional replica of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford, donated by La Chicanita Bakery, Aurora.
The Mass was streamed by Ollin Technology on the Facebook page of the diocesan newspaper El Observador as well as on the Diocese of Rockford’s YouTube channel, allowing thousands more to virtually enjoy the celebration.
A reception was held after Mass in the gym of Pope St. John Paul II Catholic Academy-North Campus (formerly St. Joseph School) which included a buffet of Mexican food offered by organizers.
The La Michoacana band and Mexican folkloric dancers provided entertainment.
Bishop Malloy prayed, blessed, ate, spoke and celebrated with all those gathered at the reception. Around 400 people, especially those who participate in different groups and ministries in parishes with Spanish language Masses around the diocese went to the celebration.
“It was so great, the communion of the Hispanic community, they were close to Bishop Malloy, the successor of the apostles. I’m very grateful for that,” said Msgr. Vallejo.
“It was good to have Bishop Malloy here and celebrate his 10th anniversary here at St. Joseph. It is a blessing,” said Father Matthew McMorrow, pastor of St. Joseph.
Carlos Martinez, parishioner, catechist and server at St. Nicholas, Aurora went with his family to the event, “to say hi to Bishop and to receive his blessings,” he said.
Oscar Acuña, parishioner at St. Edward Parish in Rockford, said that it was “a beautiful and emotive celebration. I remember the moment when Bishop was ordained; it has been wonderful to share with him this 10 years, and we are looking forward for many more.”
The event was coordinated by Msgr. Arquimedes Vallejo with support of Sister Ventura Chavez, OpSF, the priests, and Hispanic parochial lay leaders.
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