This weekend we observe the annual Mexican festival Cinco de Mayo; the remembrance of the May 5, 1862 battle of Puebla. It was one of the few Mexican victories during France’s attempt to colonize Mexico. By seizing Mexico, France would be able to exploit its natural resources and support the U.S. Confederacy.
This celebration is recognition of the presence and contribution Mexican Americans make to the life of the
country. Our neighborhood, the West Side, is the historic center of Mexican American life and culture in the Twin Cities.
Most for the early families that settled on the West Side were TexMex, Mexican families who had settled in Texas first and then moved north.
There is a rich sense of family that comes with the Mexican family; a true sense of the power of an extended relationship. Grandmothers play a powerful role in the family. In many cases they are the one’s who hand on the faith to grandchildren.
When I was pastor I would personally interview each candidate for Confirmation (at that time Saint Matthew presented candidates who were in the 10th or 11th grade).
In the course of the interview I would ask if the candidate had chosen a Confirmation name and why they chose that particular name. Often in telling me their name the girls would say that it is grandma’s name and grandma was the person who taught me about Jesus and how to say my prayers – the power a grandparent can have in a child’s life!
The West Side is blessed. When we welcome people into
the community from other cultures we are the ones who are enriched. The West Side is a strong testimony to the benefits of immigration and the precious gift new comers bring with them; tear down the walls and build the bridges!
Father Steve Adrian
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