Diego Correa - Unforgettable

Journeying with all of you as a Church and looking forward to the V Encuentro has provided me the opportunity to meet and love many brothers and sisters. This has been a very special gift. In our Regional Meeting for Region III, I met extraordinary people. We shared two intense days. And sharing leads to love. I discovered Damaris Thillet, our delegate for liturgy and music. A beautiful person. She and her husband Diego Correa headed the Spanish choir at the closing Mass of Philadelphia just a month ago. One sang the responsorial psalm and the other the prayer of the faithful. The two have composed music and for years have led this ministry in dioceses and parishes. Suddenly, Diego died.

On November 30th we celebrated the vigil and Mass at his parish, St. Francis of Assisi in Vineland, NJ. We visited and prayed for two-hours followed by the Eucharist at eight. The large church was filled and overflowing. There was joyful and meditative music, some had Puerto Rican rhythm. An impressive chorus shared their voices with the entire assembly, who sang with emotion and in unison. Some of the songs of the liturgy were composed by Diego and his wife Damaris. Oh the musical joy! And his legacy is lasting. That night his children were present, as were many of his students, with their guitars, accompanying the liturgy. I have never seen anything so extraordinary...smiles and tears. Msgr. Nelson Perez was present and presided over the Eucharist, as an old friend of the family. Pedro Rubalcava and Silvio Cuellar arrived from far distances with their guitars directing and accompanying many other guitars. Andres and Kathia Arango were also present. People from far away that just a year ago I did not know. The church was filled with singing and praying between the heavens and the earth. It was amazing! It touched the deepst part of my soul becasue I think this is a small step towards the V Encuentro and to our meeting with HIM, which is important. UNFORGETTABLE

He marched with his slung guitar, with melodies composed for the Lord on his lips... It was sudden, but leaving behind an indelible mark in the hearts of many.

Diego: " Hasta pronto, hasta el Cielo." We continue singing your songs, although we may not know they are yours. And you, friend Damaris, thank you for your testimony and your friendship. May the Lord bless you and your children.

In his last days, Diego wrote a song to present anthem for the V Encuentro. ENHAVE and U.S. Hispanic Ministers across the nation remember and thank our brother Diego Correa. We keep Diego and his family in our prayers. Reflection by Deacon Asterio Velasco, Episcopal Regional Chair for Region III 2015 © Deacon Asterio Velsasco. All Rights Reserved. © Featured image by Luis Cosme. Photos provided by Pedro Rubalcava, Silvio Cuellar and Deacon Asterio Velasco.