Catholic Latino leaders group hosts D.C. launch

Pictured at the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL) event at the Vatican Embassy in Washington, D.C., Sept. 23 are, from left, Mario Paredes, chairman of the Board of Directors of CALL; Cardinal William Keeler, archbishop emeritus of Baltimore; Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States; and Archbishop José H. Gomez, episcopal moderator of CALL. Gloria Zapiain | For Today’s Catholic

WASHINGTON, D.C. - San Antonio-based Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL) and the apostolic nuncio hosted a reception for national Hispanic leaders from across the United States Sept. 23 at the Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican Embassy) in Washington, D.C. The event was held in observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

His Excellency Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, hosted the event in acknowledgement of Hispanic Heritage Month, the many contributions Hispanics have made to society and in recognition of CALL’s mission and purpose Hispanic and other leaders from corporate America, as well as non-profit and Catholic organizations across the United States, attended the gathering at the Apostolic Nunciature, more commonly known as the Vatican Embassy. The evening was sponsored by CALL in conjunction with the Raza Development Fund, the American Bible Society, Mary’s Ministries, and Alamo Travel Group.

Under the leadership of CALL’s episcopal moderator, Archbishop José H. Gomez of San Antonio, C.A.L.L. is poised to serve as a national voice for Hispanics on social justice issues and to impact the national dialogue and its outcome in favor of improving our nation’s policies affecting Latinos. Members include Hispanics from varying business and professional backgrounds who are dedicated to transforming their lives and communities for the common good. The opportunity to bring Hispanic leaders together in a forum such as this is seen as groundbreaking to the two-year-old organization.

“We are grateful that the ambassador of the pope in our country has opened the doors of the nunciature widely to welcome CALL’s supporters and friends through this momentous occasion as we mark Hispanic Heritage month and it’s theme ‘Embracing the Fierce Urgency of Now,’” Archbishop Gomez said. “The cultural traditions of the Hispanic American community are very much a part of the rich historical experiences of the Catholic Church in this continent. Catholicism and the Hispanic cultures are undeniably intertwined.”

CALL works in collaboration with Catholic bishops nationwide.