A Milestone of Faith: The first graduation ceremony of diocesan Hispanic Bible Study

The Diocese of Metuchen’s first graduating class of the Hispanic Bible Study Program gathered Oct. 11 in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, for a day of celebration and gratitude.

Leading the event were Bishop James F. Checchio and program leaders including Deacon Edgar Chaves, director, Hispanic Evangelization Office; Father Gustavo Rodríguez, coordinator, and Father Ronal Pastrana, assistant coordinator, of Hispanic Lay Formation. Professors from the Hispanic Bible School – Father Gustavo Amell, Father Lucio Nontol and Father Fredy Triana – were also present to honor the graduates’ accomplishments.

Father Rodríguez opened the ceremony with an introductory prayer and led the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours. With congratulations, he celebrated the graduates’ dedication and commitment to studying the Holy Scriptures. Bishop Checchio then addressed the graduates in Spanish, sharing his joy at seeing them reach this significant milestone and applauding their commitment to deepening their faith.

Deacon Edgar Chaves reminded graduates of the Church’s ongoing mission, as called by Pope Francis, to walk together in faith, saying, “In 2021, responding to the call of the Holy Father, the Catholic Church worldwide began a synodal process. Through this journey, we engage in prayer, active listening, and discernment, seeking ways to walk together as a Church and fulfill the mission of spreading the Gospel.”

Deacon Chaves also highlighted the journey that led to the establishment of the Hispanic Bible School, noting that some graduates had actively participated in the synodal process and other initiatives like the V Encuentro, where they voiced a need for structured Bible formation as a foundation for evangelization. He shared how the school evolved from a single Bible workshop into a comprehensive program, crediting the Holy Spirit and the commitment of the diocesan Hispanic Evangelization Office:

“Over the past two and a half years – nearly three since we began this initiative – the Hispanic Evangelization Office has worked diligently to create a space where you can encounter the Word of God in an environment that is academic, pastoral, and spiritual.”

Deacon Chaves emphasized, “Although our human resources are limited, the Lord has not left us on our own. We are blessed with dedicated priests from our Diocese and neighboring dioceses who, with patience, love, and commitment, prepare, present, and evaluate the classes offered to you. We’ve also received unwavering support from Bishop Checchio and the vicar general, Father Jonathan Toborowsky, who have supported each decision over these nearly three years of the Bible School project. Every person involved – from maintenance staff to building security – has extended their hours on Mondays and Thursdays at the Pastoral Center, making it possible to hold these sessions for you.”

Reflecting on the program’s impact, he added, “Today, as we look back, our hearts are full of joy because this Hispanic Bible School is a testimony to what the Holy Spirit can accomplish in our community when we listen attentively to God’s will, work diligently to fulfill it, open our hearts, and allow him to move in our lives. Yet, we know this is not the end for any of us. We are not the same as when we first gathered over two years ago for that introductory course on the Sacred Scriptures. Beyond the words, our call to you now is to live out the teachings you’ve received and inspire others to join our school.”

Father Amell, a faculty member in the program, encouraged the graduates to live out the teachings they’ve learned, referencing the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Mt 5:13-16). You are called to bring joy and flavor wherever you go, to be bearers of peace, hope, mercy, and compassion.” He urged them to be a “medicine in a wounded world” and to be preservers of unity and love in their families, parishes, and communities.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Julian Mahecha from St. Joseph Parish, North Plainfield, reflected on the journey, noting that the program had taught us how to recognize Catholic doctrine in Scripture, understand the context of the Bible’s origins, and approach biblical interpretation thoughtfully. Above all, he emphasized that the Bible is “a Living Word,” guiding our lives as Catholics and connecting us with God’s will. “Through this journey, we have opened our souls and hearts, discovering that in God’s Word, we find guidance for both good and challenging times. And above all, we find the love for our neighbor and for God.”

Mahecha concluded by reminding his classmates of their duty to share what they had learned with others, especially in evangelizing and helping those who feel distanced from God. 

In closing, Mahecha thanked Bishop Checchio for supporting the creation of this program, the professors for their dedication and approachable teaching style, and Luz Escobar (his wonderful wife) from the Evangelization Office for her exceptional dedication and logistical and documentary support to all the students. 

The group, which began their journey in September 2022, enhanced their formation by also participating in Bible seminars offered through the program.

Many of the graduates are active in their parishes as catechists, in prayer groups, or other ministries like the Misioneros del Santísimo and charismatic groups. Among the 39 graduates were six married couples who attended the entire program together, including: Alberto Valdez and Yadira Madera; Christopher and Maria Gabriela Alpizar; Santos Perez and Denise Santiago; Moises Pacuara and Jenny Navarro; Jose and Rosa Vasquez, and Orlando and Maria Barcenas,

Carmen Peralta, a catechist and member of the Misioneros del Santísimo group from Visitation Parish, New Brunswick, celebrated her graduation with the support of her four children, grandchildren, and husband – 19 family members in total were there to honor Carmen’s completion of her studies. She expressed her gratitude to God, the professors, the Hispanic Ministry Office, and her family for their support and for accompanying her through these years, despite obstacles and health issues.

Iluminada Alberto, from the Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy, was deeply moved and thankful for the opportunity to study the Holy Bible within her own Diocese, without having to travel to another. She shared how the Scripture has become a living part of her daily life, and that she looks forward to sharing these insights with her 10 grandchildren. 

Telma Mancilla, from St. Mary Parish, New Brunswick, 81 years old and a mother of two, was also present with her sons, celebrating from Visitation Parish. She thanked her classmates who took turns accompanying each other to the pastoral center. Studying together, preparing for exams, and supporting each other in this “wonderful, sleepless” effort, Telma noted with a big smile.