u Elizondo earns recognition as spiritual innovator
By ANDREW THAGARD
News Writer
Time magazine recently recognized Father Virgilio Elizondo as a spiritual innovator in its series "Time 100: The Next Wave."
Elizondo, the associate director of the Institute for Latino Studies and a visiting theology professor earned the nomination for his attempts to unite the Mexican-American community of San Antonio. Through his work in the San Antonio diocese, Elizondo helped integrate aspects of the Latino culture into church services.
Elizondo views the achievement as a challenge to his ministry that brings new obligations.
"I was very honored, especially when I saw the company [in the issue]. I certainly value my own thought, but to see it recognized in Time was different," he said.
The essence of Elizondo's ministry is the mestizaje theology, a call to ethnic unity. The term "mestizo" is a Spanish word that describes a person of European and Native-American ancestry. He commented that his goal is to help elevate the term mestizo from an ugly connotation to one of beauty. His theology calls for a new ethnic unity.
"If we don't work together to unite differences in a positive way we'll get into territorial fighting," Elizondo said.
However, he does not encourage the blind assimilation of people into society or the rejection of cultural beliefs and practices.
"Jesus never said we should all be the same but he calls us to be one," he said.
Elizondo's mestizaje theology is partially shaped from his childhood experiences growing up in the west-side barrio of San Antonio.
"I have a Mexican heritage but grew up American. There was a time growing up that speaking Spanish was looked down upon. I didn't experience it as much as my friends because I was light-skinned," he said.
Still, Elizondo has faced problems adapting to each of his two cultures.
"I am reminded of my [dual] heritage on both sides. I was never really at home; I had to struggle with that," he said.
Mestizaje theology is also shaped by Elizondo's prayers and spiritual reflections and through studying Our Lady of Guadalupe and scripture.
"Jesus' message proclaims that everyone is welcome," he said.
Elizondo now spends his time commuting weekly between Notre Dame and San Antonio. The University asked him to help develop more outreach toward Latinos.
"They [the University] wanted me to me to help develop a healthy Latino experience [at Notre Dame]," he said.
Today, the Institute for Latino Studies works with all departments to help Latino faculty and students. Rather than losing Latino heritage, the Institute uses it to help University life.
"I think it's [the Institute] got a lot of potential, it's a visionary move on the part of the University. I think Notre Dame can make a major difference in the role that Latinos can play in the Church and this country."
All News Stories for Thursday, January 18, 2001
