PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — This week on Visions, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.<\/p>\n
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia<\/strong> is embracing Hispanic and Latino Catholics.<\/p>\n They has 37 parishes that celebrate Mass in Spanish. It is a number that continues to rise, reflecting the increasing influence of Hispanic and Latino Catholics in the area.<\/p>\n The overall number of Catholics in Philadelphia has dropped since 2007. But the number of Spanish-speaking parishioners is rising, which is helping the Catholic church in the area remain vibrant.<\/p>\n Along with Spanish-language masses, the Archdiocese offers bilingual services for preschoolers at Casa del Carmen. The space has been part of the Lawncrest neighborhood since 1954. Along with preschool, there is a baby boutique for young families, education opportunities like ESL classes and financial learning and they have a food pantry that provides nourishment for community members 3 days a week.<\/p>\n The longstanding relationship with Spanish-speaking Catholics continues to evolve and grow in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Hispanic Catholics <\/a>| Facebook <\/a><\/strong> Archdiocese of Philadelphia<\/a> | Facebook <\/a>| Instagram<\/a><\/strong> Casa del Carmen<\/a> | Facebook <\/a>| Instagram<\/a><\/strong> The Maker Series at the Hyatt Centric<\/strong> celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month.<\/p>\n It is a collaboration between In Liquid and the Hyatt Centric in Center City, and they are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting the works of Jaime Alvarez and Marta Sanchez.<\/p>\n Born in Puerto Rico, Alvarez uses photography and installation to draw attention to his heritage.<\/p>\n Sanchez art focuses on tin paintings and prints to emphasize cultural traditions and contemporary issues.<\/p>\n Both artists works are on display and for sale here at the Hyatt Centric through November 10th.<\/p>\n Maker Series at Hyatt Centric<\/a> | Facebook |<\/a> Instagram<\/a><\/strong> InLiquid <\/a>| Facebook <\/a>| Instagram<\/a><\/strong> The Gift of Life<\/strong> helps a mother of two to have a second chance at life.<\/p>\n Jessica Gonzalez was diagnosed 20 years ago with Lupus in her hometown, Dallas, Texas. The autoimmune disease is more prevalent among both African Americans and Latinos and can lead to organ failure.<\/p>\n Gonzalez worked as a teacher’s aide until her illness began to affect her day-to-day life. It affected her kidneys and resulted in cancer in her liver.<\/p>\n Her sickness has caused her to miss many special events, but with family support and thanks to the Gift of Life, she was able to receive a kidney and liver transplant.<\/p>\n Now healthier than she’s ever been, Jessica works alongside her sister at Nothing Bundt Cakes, in charge of marketing.<\/p>\n Grateful for her gifts, Jessica Gonzales is excited for a fresh start at life.<\/p>\n 6abc Registration<\/a> | Gift of Life Donor Program<\/a>| Facebook<\/a> | Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n A Wharton management professor<\/strong> explains why the US needs more immigrants. The Department of Homeland Security says two million people have either self-deported or been removed from the United States since January.<\/p>\n So we checked in with immigrant organizations around the region to see how they’re responding to the new policies, and we talked to Wharton Management Professor Zeke Hernandez who says immigrants are critical to a healthy economy.<\/p>\n Pennsylvania Immigration Coaliton<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Resistencia en Acci\u00f3n New Jersey<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n ACLAMO<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Zeke Hernandez, Author of The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Communities Welcome Newcomers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Visual artist Emilio Maldonado<\/strong> has perfected the art of making creations from physical objects that come into his sphere and giving them new life in the process.<\/p>\n With degrees in fine arts, as well as painting, from institutions in the United States, Puerto Rico and in his homeland of the Dominican Republic, Emilio says he wants to stir the soul and cause intropection in the observer.<\/p>\n He draws inspiration from family to issues of the day, and his internal feelings and opinions are always on display within the works.<\/p>\n He has exhibited in solo and group shows around the world, he has worked with Philly’s Mural Arts program, and he was the resident artist at the Fitler Club where his work can still be seen.<\/p>\n Emilio Maldonado, Visual Artist<\/a> | Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Batala Philly<\/strong> brings the beats of Brazil to local events and beyond. They are an all-volunteer drum troupe that promotes and shares Afro-Brazilian percussion.<\/p>\n This fusion of Brazilian samba with Jamaican reggae is known as “samba-reg,” and Batala Philly teaches it to anyone who wants to learn, regardless of skill level.<\/p>\n The group was founded in 1997 in Paris, by Brazilian musician Giba Gonsalves. He was a champion of inclusivity, and that remains a driving value of the organization today. Since it’s founding, the movement has grown to have an international presence, and over 2,000 members worldwide.<\/p>\n Batala Philly<\/a> | Facebook<\/a> | Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Email info@batalaphilly.com<\/a><\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n
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