Diocesan priest studies language, culture in Mexico

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
June 2, 2005

One priest from the Diocese of Sioux City had the opportunity to study the Spanish language and culture while in Morelia, Mexico for four months.

Father Paul Kelly, part of the Hispanic ministry team at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City, spent time in Mexico studying at the Baden-Powell Institute and experiencing a different culture. He went to learn about the language and culture so he could relate better to the Hispanic community in Sioux City.

"I went down and I took classes in Spanish," said Father Kelly. "I studied four hours a day, Monday through Friday."

At the institute, Father Kelly studied grammar, history of Mexico, Spanish literature and conversation.

"I decided to take these classes because I work full-time with the Spanish-speaking people. If you are going to work full-time with Spanish-speaking people, you better know the language," said Father Kelly. "You can't effectively do ministry unless you can speak the language."

Father Kelly was in Morelia, which is part of the Michoacan state of Mexico, from Jan. 2 to May 1 and stayed with a family while he was there. He was placed with the family through the school he was attending.

"I had my own room and had my meals prepared every day by the senora," said Father Kelly. The woman's son got married while Father Kelly was there so he was able to participate in all the wedding festivities. He noted that he felt very at home and comfortable.

He was able to help in the Fatima Parish while he was in Morelia. He helped the priests out by celebrating Masses and baptisms and went to parish events. While Father Kelly was there, the parish marked its 15th anniversary and a priest also celebrated his 15th anniversary.

"It was invaluable," said Father Kelly. "First of all, I gained a much greater mastery of the language. That was after 300-plus hours of Spanish. I learned much more vocabulary and grammar. Secondly, learning the culture was very important because I understand them better now when they come here - why they do certain things, what's important to them, what are their traditions and so on."

Father Kelly recounted a story about a man that he encountered when he returned from Mexico. The man was originally from Morelia, so Father Kelly could relate to him a little bit better since he had just been there. Father Kelly commented that it was like opening up a new door to this person. There was a new connection that he had not had before.

"I experienced God and religion through people and outward signs," said Father Kelly. "The people are very devout through the devotional practices especially during Holy Week. The Holy Week practices are unique in Mexico."

He continued that he was able to be present and see their faith and the devotion of the people and their work in the church and the faith community.

"The traditions are so much richer down there," said Father Kelly. "I saw things down there that I hadn't seen before, and I have worked in this ministry for four or five years. The richness of the devotions and traditions made me very grateful in terms of my own spiritual awareness. I am reminded of God's goodness and greatness whenever I travel. If you are a religious person to begin with, then just seeing different cultures and seeing something new is a spiritual experience in itself."

Father Kelly concluded that he had an excellent experience that was valuable for him because it impacts his work at Cathedral 100 percent. All that he learned and gained in Morelia is applicable to his ministry.