Gonzaga Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Gonzaga hosted several special events and outings over the course of the last month to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15.

On October 3, the school hosted its first bilingual all-school Mass on the Feast of St. Francis Borgia, SJ, the third Superior General of the Society of Jesus who launched Jesuit missions in Florida, Mexico, and Peru. The collection that day was taken up for the Sacred Heart School in Columbia Heights.

A few days later, on October 6, the Latin American Student Organization cheered on Washington’s soccer team, DC United, at Audi Field. On October 16, a group of seniors attended a Mass at the Sacred Heart School in DC celebrating the one year anniversary of the canonization of St. Oscar Romero.

In addition, several teachers integrated Hispanic heritage into their classrooms and lessons this month—Mr. Duffy's art students made Oaxacan Alebrijes wood carvings, Ms. Mooney's Spanish 2 classes explored the story of Don Quixote de la Mancha, Mrs. Komelasky discussed the history and culture of bullfighting with her Spanish 3 students, and WZAG played Spanish music during their broadcast.

“In my five years at Gonzaga, the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) has grown tremendously, from single digits to nearly 40 active members this year,” said Ms. Albrittain, one of two faculty moderators of the club. “This year, Campus Ministry and LASO club members and moderators worked together on the first bilingual Mass in our community. Our greater focus on Hispanic Heritage Month this year aligns well with our theme of ‘All In’ and creating an inclusive community that celebrates diversity.”

Mr. Ruano, the club's other faculty moderator, added: “It’s important for our students to recognize the many contributions Hispanics and Latinos have had on our country and even closer, our own community, whether in Sage, Palm, the faculty, or staff. And even more important, for our students of Hispanic/Latin heritage to be proud of their roots and feel Gonzaga is an embracing home.”  
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