Puerto Rican, Colombian, Dominican, Ecuadorian, Mexican, Peruvian! What a wonderful expression of Unity in Diversity that was demonstrated last week in our annual San Juan Bautista Hispanic Festival! This is what it truly means to be Catholic, that people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, Culture and history work side by side to promote God’s Kingdom. These six ethnic groups are not the only groups in our parish, but we all rallied around them to celebrate our Catholic Faith and to share our Hispanic culture. Our families from the 15 different ethnic groups that compose our parish offer their cultural treasures and values to enrich the parish. Yet we form one parish, one community of faith in Jesus Christ. Like the little boy with the 5 barley loaves, when we offer what we have, the Lord produces a multiplicity of blessings.

Thank you to everyone who worked for the success of the Festival. Thank you to each and every person who sold raffle tickets that totaled more than $42,000, who labored to prepare, cook and serve the flavorful Hispanic foods, who set up and took down the festival stands and grounds, who worked strenuously during the four, long days of the festival, to the teenagers who provided priceless energy and assistance as runners, and to all those who attended with family, friends and neighbors. You, the people of San Juan Bautista, labored diligently and trustingly; through these labors the Lord will transfigure our community.

Others outside the parish also helped us generously. I express great appreciation to Thomas Beeman of Lancaster General Health, our primary Corporate Sponsor for 8 years, and Peter Egan and Caldwell, Heckles & Egan who made it possible to have top-notch entertainment. We are also grateful to our other major sponsors: Brittany() 's Hope, Certified Carpet, High Steel, Jones Pontiac, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Nikolaus and Hohenadel LLP, Andrew Scheid Funeral Home, El Serrano Restaurant, Charles Snyder Funeral Home, Select Security, and the many other businesses and individuals.

Please be sure to thank personally those who helped us have such a wonderful festival, especially our sponsors. When we work together generously, amazing things can happen.

And to all the following businesses that supported us.

Brisas del Caribe, Brothers’ Market, CTown Supermarkets, La Cocina, La Cocina Mexicana, Crisol Electric, Damaris Hair Care Salon, Doris Place Restaurant, Empire TV & Appliances, Inc., Génesis Supplier, Island Beverage, Inc., Jose Vallejo Distributor, El Jibarito Restaurant, Lighthouse Studios, Mildred() 's Party & Events, Los Muchachos Market, El Pueblito, M. Ramos Auto Repair, Reveron Electronics, El Rodeo Restaurant, Quisqueya Markets, Sabor Criollo Restaurant, SACA, Mr. & Mrs. Jay Shaub, V&E Grocery Minimarket, V&F Grocery & WLCH 91.3 FM Radio Centro