The Mexican American Catholic College has become a multicultural community of scholars, educators and students from diverse backgrounds and traditions, firmly rooted in the teachings of the Church, and called to bear witness in daily service to God and one another. We are a community. We are disciples. We are MACC. Please share our video! English Spanish
To all friends of the MACC community, in the last two days the MACC team came together with heavy hearts to pray and reflect on the recent mass shootings in Gilroy, El Paso, and Dayton. As a learning community, we have spent these past three days in prayerful solidarity with all affected by this hateful plague of violence – especially those who lost loved ones. Even in our anger and fear, we have asked, “What…
Homily by Fr. Nader Ata, Conventual Franciscans Para ser honesto con todos ustedes, yo no quería venir aquí a MACC para mejorar mi español. Yo estaba muy feliz donde estaba. Pero Dios y mi provincial tenían otros planes. Así que estoy aquí – presidiendo la Santa Misa. Antes de venir aquí no estaba haciendo mucho con la comunidad hispana. Si acaso, escuché una o dos confesiones. Y bendije cosas religiosas tres o cuatro veces. Pero…
Homily – Saturday of the Third Week of Easter Graduation Mass for the Mexican American Catholic College May 11, 2019 Welcome to all of our honored guests: Our President, Dr. Arturo Chavez, members of the Board, our Colleagues of the University of the Incarnate Word, Professors and Teachers, Administrators, Graduates, Parents, Relatives and Friends. It is a true joy to be with you today to assist us to acknowledge the gifts that God has offered…
Born in small and peaceful town in Guanajuato, Mexico, Andres Chàvez, the second of five children, was raised within a practicing and very pious Catholic family. At an early age, he entered the seminary to discern his vocation. Ultimately, the Lord called him to the vocation of marriage, one that has lasted 20 years, but the continuous relationship with God motivated him to keep looking for more. “The growth of my faith and the development…
Guadalupe “Lupita” Lafuente grew up in Guadalajara, Jalisco in Mexico. She credits both of her grandmothers for passing the faith to her in her upbringing, as she witnessed their loyalty to daily Mass, prayer, and God. Her paternal grandmother taught her that everything God gave us should be used for Him and because of Him. “My paternal grandmother, Felicitas, took us to Mass, spoke to us of how beautiful God is,” said Lupita. “She attended…
Deacon Jerry Whitley, alumnus of MACC, has been appointed Head Chaplain of the San Antonio Fire Department. He graduated with the Diaconate Class of 2018. He is currently assigned to St. Andrew’s in Lytle, Texas. How were you appointed Head Chaplain? I have been retired from the fire department for about 6 years and 34 years of service. About four months ago, the former Head Chaplain moved to Colorado and the fire chief invited me to…
Human life is grounded in three relationships, shared Archbishop Gustavo, during his annual visit to MACC in March. “The relationship with God, the relationship with neighbor, and the relationship with earth. We are connected with Earth.” On March 20, Archbishop Gustavo came to MACC to celebrate his annual mass with students, faculty and staff. Prior to mass, he met with everyone to discuss Chapter 2 The Gospel of Creation of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato…
Preparing Holy Week The most sacred week of the Christian calendar is celebrated intensely in the Hispanic world. Artisans in Guatemala prepare rugs of flowers and feathers from the quetzal for the feasts of Holy Week. Groups of the faithful practice their roles as Jews or Romans for the Way of the Cross in many places from Mexico and Texas to Chicago. Penitential fraternities prepare spiritually to carry heavy sacred images through the streets of…
Palm Sunday The official liturgy of the Church for Palm Sunday is beautiful and full of symbolism, but it is also somewhat paradoxical. It shows dramatically the inconsistency of human beings. We enter proclaiming hosannas and applauding and in a short time we are shouting, “Crucify him, crucify him!” According to the rite, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist take place inside the church, but the Mass usually begins outside…
Thanks to a generous grant from the GHR Foundation, the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) will conduct a follow-up study to its groundbreaking 2009 Study on Recent Vocations to Religious Life. The 2009 NRVC/CARA Study on Newer Members set the benchmark for tracking vocation trends in the 21st century. Now a decade later, NRVC solicited the assistance of ten organizations to prepare for the new study. In November 2018, a Convening of national leaders was…
By Fr. Edward Owens, OSST, PhD People tend to associate Lent with sacrifice and self-denial. Practices such as fasting, the Stations of the Cross, and Lenten reconciliation services come to mind. Amid a myriad of practices, Lent ultimately points to the solemnity of Easter and its season. In Christ, we are as St. Augustine proclaimed: “An Easter people and alleluia is our song.” Lent invites us to embrace the past, present, and future in our…
Br. Fabian Adderley, Conventual Franciscan, is the recent recipient of the Diversity Outreach Initiative Scholarship and attended the 2019 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington, DC, February 2 – 5. He is seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry with a concentration in Philosophy and part of the collaborative program with the University of the Incarnate Word. Br. Fabian is planning to graduate this Spring 2019. What has led you on the path you are…
In the Summa Theologica, St. Thomas Aquinas said love takes up where knowledge leaves off. This can be interpreted as love takes us beyond the limitations of knowledge. Similarly, the Gospel invites us to discipleship, to take what we’ve learned, with love, to others and build relationships. In our new intercultural resources program, Weaving Cultures-Entrelazando Culturas, MACC is simultaneously teaching and learning how we can go beyond the academic theory of interculturality to truly live…
Corey Bruns, a seminarian for the Diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky and studying at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana was at MACC in January to take the two-week workshop, Hispanic Ministry in the 21st Century. Please click on this link to be directed to his personal blog where he wrote a reflection on his visit and experiences at the Border, in San Antonio, and at MACC. Corey Bruns, un seminarista de la Diócesis de Owensboro, Kentucky,…
Epiphany Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar are the names that tradition has given to the magi. But who said there were three? According to the evangelist Matthew (2:1–12), they were magi of the Orient who brought gold, incense, and myrrh to Jesus. The Christian imagination decided that each gift required someone to present it, and so the number of wise men was set at three. Since they were magi who came following a star, they had…
La Sagrada Familia El primer domingo después de la Natividad de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo los cristianos celebramos la fiesta litúrgica de la Sagrada Familia. Los latinos somos un pueblo muy unido a la familia. Familia para nosotros no es un pequeño grupo compuesto de padre, madre e hijos. Para los latinos, la familia es un conjunto grande de abuelos, tíos, tías, primos, comadres, compadres, y otros parientes además de padre, madre, hijos, e hijas. Para…
Merry Christmas! The last reflection of the season invites us to ask ourselves, what Good News does our Lord Jesus Christ want us bring to our society? The glad tidings of Christmas is that we can make a difference because our God who is King dwells among us. ¡Feliz Navidad! La última reflexión de la temporada nos invita a preguntarnos, ¿qué buenas noticias quiere nuestro Señor Jesucristo que llevemos a nuestra sociedad? La buena noticia…
This fourth Sunday of Advent we are invited to humilty and be accepting of the son of God as both Mary and Elizabeth were. Este cuarto domingo de Adviento estamos invitados a la humildad y a aceptar al hijo de Dios como lo fueron María e Isabel. Reflection on the readings for Sunday, December 23, 2018. English subtitles available. Music: Joy To The World by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…) Artist: http://audionautix.com/
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel In addition to preparing us for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ, Advent is the season during which we remember that Christ is about to return. As Latino Christians our trajectory of faith has spanned about five centuries; like all Christians we await the second coming of the Messiah, Jesus. Our waiting is shared by two millennia of Christians who have sought to see him arrive on…
On this third Sunday of Advent, John the Baptist tells us to wait. “One mightier than I is coming, John told them. I’m not worthy to untie his shoes, John told them. But first, even though you are afraid, you have to wait. And so, in Advent, we make a practice of heeding John’s advice. In the face of all our anxieties, some well justified; some… less so, we come together to wait; We wait for…
La Piñata Hoy día la piñata nos hace pensar en una fiesta de cumpleaños. Muchos no saben que la piñata es un símbolo del Adviento. La tradición mexicana de las posadas es acompañada con una piñata. Aunque hay piñatas en forma de animales, caricaturas y otras imágenes, la piñata de la posada originalmente es una estrella con siete picos. El origen de la piñata mexicana es doble. La piñata llega con los misioneros españoles quienes…
The second Sunday of Advent coincides with the celebration of the Feast of San Juan Diego. This reflection by Rev. Benjamin Romero-Arrieta reminds us to “remember that the humble image and the message that Juan Dieguito revealed to Christian people are signs of hope, acceptance and love for a brother and for a sister in whose differences help me get closer not only to him or her, but to the revelation of God in my…
Watch this reflection on the Gospel of Luke from the second Sunday of Advent by Fr. Edward Owens. “As we continue through the Advent season, let us include the poor and the needy in our remembrance and in our giving and in doing so we will prepare the way of the Lord.” Vea esta reflexión del Evangelio de San Lucas del segundo domingo de Adviento por el P. Edward Owens. “A medida que avancemos en…
Las Posadas De las muchas tradiciones latinoamericanas para celebrar el Adviento y la Navidad, las posadas parecen ser las mejor conocidas en los Estados Unidos. Tienen su origen en la última mitad del siglo XVIII cuando las estrepitosas Misas de Aguinaldo dejaron de ser celebradas en México. Para reemplazar esas Misas los laicos decidieron celebrar en sus casas tomando lo que habían visto dramatizado en los templos, el recorrido de los inmigrantes galileos, José y…
Watch this reflection on the Gospel of Luke from the first Sunday of Advent by Sr. Elizabeth Guerrero. “I’d like to use this season of Advent to take advantage of the precious time and the reminder of how close, how near Salvation is. Let us be faithful. Let not our hearts grow drowsy. Do not despair, but look up. Christ is coming!” Vea esta reflexión del Evangelio de San Lucas del primer domingo de Adviento por…
During the July semester of Summer 2018, a group of young leaders were enrolled in Hispanic Ministry in the 21st Century. One of their assignments was to keep a journal to reflect on their border immersion experience and service learning project in evangelization ministry. Below are a few entries from one of the students, Sandy Escalera, a moving reflection of what she experienced meeting migrant families. Mission Journal Entries by Sandy Escalera Friday, July 13…
When we are invited to the table, who do I avoid sitting next to? What are my prejudices, my stereotypes? MACC’s President, Dr. Arturo Chávez, posed these questions while speaking about intercultural competencies at the V Encuentro in September. These are important questions to ask ourselves living in a society that still faces issues regarding race and culture. While diversity brings value to a community, it can often be challenging to be open and accepting…
At MACC, we are not afraid of differences. In fact, our mission embraces that we are a culturally diverse church and society. Summers at MACC tend to bring people from many different cultural backgrounds together. This past summer, students enrolled in our Intensive Pastoral Spanish and English programs had origins from 11 different countries. “There is a great richness to work with participants that come from so many countries and cultures,” said Laura Graham, MACC’s…
El presidente de MACC, Dr. Arturo Chávez, fue parte de una conversación interregional en el V Encuentro para discutir la competencia intercultural. La sesión comienza alrededor de los 30:00 minutos en el video a continuación.
During the July semester of Summer 2018, a group of young leaders were enrolled in Hispanic Ministry in the 21st Century. One of their assignments was to keep a journal to reflect on their border immersion experience and service learning project in evangelization ministry. Below are a few entries from one of the students. Durante el semestre de verano de julio del 2018, un grupo de líderes jóvenes se inscribieron en el Ministerio Hispano en…
During the July semester of Summer 2018, a group of young leaders were enrolled in Hispanic Ministry in the 21st Century. One of their assignments was to keep a journal to reflect on their border immersion experience and service learning project in evangelization ministry. Below are a few entries from one of the students, a moving reflection of what she experienced meeting migrant families at one of the border towns in Texas. Original journal entries…
Faith and knowledge are friends and together they produce the joy of the promise in today’s gospel reading, said Bishop Michael Boulette in his homily at MACC’s Spring 2018 Mass and Commencement on May 12. Over 200 guests filled the Assumption Seminary Chapel. This spring, nine students received their Bachelor’s degree, three received their Certificate in Pastoral Ministry and Pre-Theology, and 16 received their Certificate in Diaconal Studies. In the gospel of that Saturday, Christ…
Despite what some will say, it is never too late to earn a degree. Although she studied for a technical degree in Mexico, Laura Guerra, a single mother of two from Piedras Negras, Coahuila, had always wanted to study more. While her children were in high school, she decided that when they finished and began University, she too would begin her journey in higher education. “In addition to overcoming the insecurity and fear of returning…
Escrito por Sor Mercedes Casas A partir del día 22 de abril del presente año, la Hna. Elizabeth Ann Guerrero y yo, iniciamos el visiteo, casa por casa, a los vecinos de MACC. Nos impulsó el deseo de salir al encuentro de las familias que viven a nuestro alrededor, motivadas de manera especial por la invitación que nos ha hecho nuestro querido Papa Francisco de ser una “Iglesia en Salida”. El objetivo que nos planteamos…
Before entering Assumption Seminary, David Chacko, a seminarian with the Archdiocese of San Antonio, graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA) in May of 2015 earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and commissioned into the U.S. Army Signal Corps, where he served as a junior officer for 15 months. David, who grew up in San Antonio, is the second child of seven children – six boys and…
Most of us are familiar with the Native American proverb, Before you judge someone, walk a mile in his shoes. The proverb calls us to practice empathy towards another’s experiences and emotions. This approach challenges us all, especially when we find ourselves judging another instantly. For example, imagine you are at the gas pump; you see a person walking your way in clothes matted with dirt. Is he about to ask for spare change, or…
Student Testimony In January, 30 women from the organization ARISE enrolled in distance learning English-as-a-New Language (ENL) courses that will last the duration of the spring semester, January to May. Virginia Santana is in the Level 3 class on Friday afternoons. Below is her testimony which focuses on the impact PuenTec has had on both ARISE and MACC in terms of education. “I would like to share my personal experience about taking these classes: My…
Employee Spotlight Dr. John Chitakure, associate professor of Pastoral Theology at MACC recently published his memoir, “The Audacity to Dream: Stories from an African Immigrant.” During the Racism Workshop, Dr. Chitakure read from a chapter of his new book to workshop participants, which revealed some of the challenges he faced trying to find work when he arrived to the United States. Is there something specific you hope readers gain/learn from your memoir? The Audacity to…
In a recent tweet from Pope Francis, he stated love is the only invincible weapon. At MACC, our mission is to empower and educate leaders for service in a culturally diverse church and society. While our mission statement may not include the actual word ‘love,’ the ever-growing population of immigrants in the U.S. and the Catholic Church drives us now more than ever to fulfill it and prepare these new leaders to serve in the…
If we are learning an authentic theology, not right or left, that should not lead us to an ideology, but rather a holy life, said Archbishop Gustavo in a visit with MACC students, staff, and faculty. “Reach out, live on the frontier,” he said. “Don’t live inside where you are familiar with everything and everything is under control.” Archbishop Gustavo visited MACC on March 6 to celebrate a mass. The mass is celebrated annually during…
We live in a world of increasing diversity. In the United States, the word alone has become a popular topic. A Pew Research Center study estimates that 1 million immigrants arrive each year in the U.S. Along with them, immigrants bring their individual characteristics and experiences that have a profound effect on the way they interact and communicate. Among these immigrants are women religious, and they are not spared of the struggles of entering a…
Reflection By Fr. Ed Owens The gospel readings for Easter Sunday included the Road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35). Unlike the gospel passages focusing on the empty tomb and first news Jesus’ resurrection, Luke includes two disciples “that very same day” who have heard of the report but remain in disbelief. Some women claim they found the tomb empty and saw a vision of angels declaring that he is alive. Some men later confirm the report…
After much discernment and planning, MACC’s partnership with ARISE, a community based program that works with immigrants, primarily from Mexico to the U.S., has taken off. They are calling it “PuenTec,” a technological bridge that will bring the two organizations together to develop distance learning with the community from ARISE using the video conferencing tool, Zoom. During the summer, the team from ARISE visited MACC to talk in-depth about what this project would entail, the…
Out-of-State Students Enroll in Pastoral Ministry Certificate Program MACC officially had out-of-state students enrolled during the fall semester taking live courses via Zoom, a new video conferencing tool. Through a partnership with Catholic Extension, MACC received applications from potential students from mission dioceses to be considered for the Certificado en Ministerio Pastoral (Certificate in Pastoral Ministry). At the end of the summer, seven students were accepted into the program and began their first course in…
The evening of MACC’s 45th Anniversary Fiesta felt like a family reunion, as put by Fr. Larry Christian, MACC’s chairman of the board. Over 200 guests joyfully roamed the campus grounds, as they reunited with longtime friends and former colleagues. Among the many guests was Sr. Maria Elena Gonzalez, one of the founders and visionary president of MACC, who traveled from Oklahoma to be present. “All of this is very much a miracle,” she shared….
WEBINARS In the Service of Initial and Life Long Formation…in partnership with MACC “Encuentro o Aislamiento – El Reto del Papa Francisco” En este tiempo complejo de creciente diversidad, nos enfrentamos continuamente con las posibilidades de encuentro o aislamiento. La tendencia natural de relacionarnos solo con la gente que comparte nuestros valores culturales y creencias religiosas refuerza inconscientemente el aislamiento etnocentrista, un cuarto lleno de espejos. El reto del Papa Francisco de encontrar al…
January 31, 2023 Due to weather conditions forecasted for Wednesday, February 1, 2023, all day and evening classes are to take place online tomorrow. Staff may work remotely, when appropriate. We will continue to monitor the weather in the morning for guidance on classes and operations into Thursday. Faculty, please communicate with your students about online instruction. Debido a las condiciones climáticas que se han pronosticado, MACC moverá todas las clases (día y noche) a…
Our ESL Coordinator, Lodie Mueller was interviewed by KSAT at the San Fernando Cathedral where Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller held a special mass for immigrants.
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