From September 15 through October 15, Seminary of the Southwest marked Hispanic Heritage Month with a campus-wide celebration themed “Orgullosamente Latinos: Celebrating Latinidad at Southwest.” The month’s events highlighted the richness and diversity of Latinx identity within the seminary community and across the wider church. Led by the Rev. Nancy Frausto, Director of Latinx Studies; Dr. Stephanie Ramirez, Associate Professor of Counselor Education and Coordinator of the Latinx Counseling Concentration; and students from the Latinx Concentration in every degree program, the celebration showcased how student leadership and faculty collaboration continue to shape Southwest’s commitment to cultural inclusion and formation for ministry.
The festivities began with a vibrant community hour featuring cinnamon buns, an elote bar, music, and dancing. Later that week, Southwest hosted the Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) opening Eucharist with guest preacher the Rev. Omar Rodriguez De la O, Associate for Community Life at Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona. Worship was enriched by the musical offerings of the Chavez Family, who continued their performance during a celebratory dinner in the dining hall. A recording of Rev. Rodriguez De la O’s sermon is available here.
The Rt. Rev. Angela Cortiñas, Southwest alumna and Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, also visited campus during HHM and preached in Christ Chapel for students, faculty, and staff. Her sermon may be viewed here.
As the month continued, the Southwest community partnered once again with Casa Marianella in Austin for a shared celebration. Reflecting on the gathering, Frausto noted, “Seminary of the Southwest seminarians and faculty celebrated with residents, staff, and volunteers of Casa Marianella the lives of migrants past and present that have enriched our country. Finding God in the midst of stories of migrants, food, and salsa dancing is a beautiful way to celebrate Latinidad.”
A new and significant addition to this year’s observance was the intentional inclusion of Deaf Awareness Month and the celebration of Deaf Latine heritage. MDiv senior Elizabeth Holland offered further reflection in the October 2025 Good News from Austin newsletter, which can be read here.
Hispanic Heritage Month at Southwest offered the community an opportunity not only to honor the richness and diversity of Latinidad, but also to deepen relationships, celebrate cultural expression, and reflect on the many ways Latinx voices continue to shape the life of the Seminary and the wider church. With gratitude for all who participated, Southwest looks forward to continuing this tradition of learning, celebration, and shared joy in the years ahead.
