In a momentous event, Washington Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjívar, the first Salvadoran-born bishop in the United States, celebrated a deeply symbolic Mass to honor the Divine Savior of the World, the patron saint of El Salvador. The Mass, held in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, saw Bishop Menjívar deliver a powerful message urging the faithful to engage with God, embrace unity, and undergo personal transformation.
Speaking with conviction, Bishop Menjívar began by connecting the story of Christ's transfiguration with the journey of the faithful. He emphasized that Christ's revealing of his divine glory was intended to illuminate and guide believers toward understanding their true selves. "And the glory of Christ transfigured illuminates today his people, his pilgrim church so that we may recognize our dignity as beloved children of God, so that we may renew our hope, so that we may be a light for others and illuminate the world with the light of Christ," he proclaimed.
Addressing the congregation's collective duty, the bishop urged the faithful to walk hand-in-hand. He emphasized the power of unity, stating, "Walking together means having one heart, one feeling, one goal: Christ." He called for the abandonment of divisive behaviors such as gossip and rivalry and stressed the importance of fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
Bishop Menjívar recognized the critical need for change and growth in his homeland, El Salvador. He acknowledged the progress that has been made in recent years, especially in the realm of security, yet he also acknowledged that there's much work to be done for Salvadorans to lead dignified lives. He appealed for a collective shift in attitude and a sense of shared responsibility for the nation's development, echoing the words of Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero.
Referencing the feast's historical significance in El Salvador, the bishop drew parallels between the experience of Christ's transfiguration and the transformative potential for his country. "It is urgent that there be a true transfiguration in the homeland, having Christ as a model so that the new man/new woman may appear and transform their environment," he declared, emphasizing the role of Christ as a guiding light.
Bishop Menjívar's call to heed God's voice was a central theme throughout his address. He emphasized the need to attune oneself to the divine voice, which offers guidance and wisdom to navigate life's challenges. "Let us breathe deeply and fill ourselves with light, love, and hope," he encouraged.
The Mass was organized by the archdiocesan office of Cultural Diversity and Community Outreach and was preceded by a procession featuring the image of the Divine Savior of the World. For attendees like Haydeé Martínez, this procession evoked cherished childhood memories from El Salvador, where similar processions are held in honor of the Divine Savior. Martínez expressed the profound impact of the Divine Savior on her faith and her connection to her Salvadoran roots. She likened the celebration to the significance of the Virgin of Guadalupe feast for Mexicans.
As the Mass concluded, the faithful were left with a resounding message of personal transformation and unity. Bishop Menjívar's words resonated deeply, reminding the congregation of their shared purpose and the importance of allowing God's love and mercy to transfigure their lives.
