On Tuesday, October 6, the community of Seminary of the Southwest gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of its founder, the Rt. Rev. John E. Hines. The annual observance brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, the Board of Trustees, and friends of the seminary for worship, fellowship, and a celebration of Southwest’s enduring mission.
The traditional midday Eucharist in Christ Chapel was followed by a celebratory luncheon in Howell Dining Hall. Rev. Dr. Dominique Robinson, the Bishop John E. Hines Assistant Professor of Preaching, delivered the sermon, and the Rt. Rev. Kathryn M. Ryan, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Texas, presided at the service.
The celebration also continued Southwest’s recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting the diversity of the seminary community and creating space to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. This celebration reflects Southwest’s ongoing commitment to a theological education shaped by the many voices and experiences that enrich the Church and the world.
Founded in 1952 by Bishop Hines, who later served as Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church from 1965 to 1974, Seminary of the Southwest was envisioned as a seminary for the whole Church. Hines championed liturgical renewal, civil rights, and the inclusion of women and people of color in leadership. His commitment to social justice and his belief that the Church must engage the realities of the world continue to inform Southwest’s mission today.
During the luncheon, members of the John Hines Legacy Society were recognized and honored for their commitment to sustaining the seminary’s work for future generations. John Hines Day offers the Southwest community an opportunity to give thanks for its founder, celebrate the people who carry his vision forward, and renew its commitment to forming faithful leaders for the Church and the world.
The Rev. Nancy Frausto, Director of the Latinx Studies Program, Lecturer in Multicultural Ministries, and Director of Community Worship (appointed at the start of the fall semester), organized a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at Southwest. The month’s festivities began with an opening Eucharist on September 17, featuring mariachi music, followed by a delicious community meal in Howell Dining Hall. Two guests from Southwest’s partner seminary, Seminario Episcopal San Pedro y San Pablo in Puerto Rico, came to campus to join the celebration.
“This year, Hispanic Heritage Month at Seminary of the Southwest focused on building community, strengthening partnerships, and celebrating the joy and resilience of Latino people,” shared Frausto. “One of the most exciting developments has been the progress we are making in building a partnership between Seminary of the Southwest and Seminario Episcopal San Pedro y San Pablo in Puerto Rico. Bringing these two theological schools together opens wonderful possibilities for collaboration, mutual learning, and strengthening theological education for the wider Episcopal Church.”
Students also gathered for a themed Community Hour, where they played Lotería and enjoyed special treats celebrating Hispanic heritage. Later in the month, a current Master of Divinity student led a dance class set to Latino music, bringing the community together through movement, music, and shared celebration.
Frausto reflected, “What a beautiful way to conclude Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the life and legacy of Bishop John E. Hines. His vision for Seminary of the Southwest was of a theological school that would help shape a different kind of Church, one where people of all races, cultures, backgrounds, and languages would not simply be welcomed or included, but would help lead and shape the Church’s future. That is the vision we continue to work toward at Southwest. Hispanic Heritage Month is not simply about celebrating Latino culture for a few weeks. It reminds us of the gifts our Latino siblings bring to the Church, the importance of building genuine relationships across cultures, and our shared calling to build a Church where everyone truly belongs.”
