Dolores Huerta

Dolores Huerta came to the 12:30 mass on Feb. 27. Together with Cesar Chavez, she co-founded the United Farm Workers, and managed to raise 11 children aswell. I had the privilege of speaking with her after mass and I was taken back because she treated me as a long lost friend. Her humility and simpleness contrast greatly with the ostentatious presentation that the Church often prefers with its fine vestments, gold chalices, and marble altars.

She found our open, utilitarian church conducive to spirituality, and spent quite a bit of time admiring the Lady of Guadalupe niche. As is often the case, our pastor was not present, but the visiting priest, good Fr. Jim, came to congratulate Huerta after mass and remarked on the standing ovation she received. He also said that Cesar Chavez would be a saint some day.

Now that would be ironic: make Chavez a saint while persecuting his people, church worker members of the United Farm Workers! One thing that she told me lifted my spirits greatly. She said that we would win our struggle, no doubt about it. That is enough for me; if Dolores Huerta, with all her experience in honest struggles against great odds says that we shall overcome, then we will, and the church of the future will be better.

From a parishioner-