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LATINOS AND RELIGION
This week we talk about religion and culture.
Lily: I feel my culture and religion have molded me into who I am. While I never visualized being a nun, I did enjoy my Catholic education (thank you Sister Vincent!).
In the past year alone, I have experienced many falling-outs, and I thank God for faith and prayer. Friends can empathize and take your mind off daily crises, but prayer fortifies you. It reminds you that you are not alone and that you were created with purpose.
For me, religion and culture go hand in hand and are two strong life-fortifiers, which I hope to pass on to my sons.
Catherine: Religion is part of culture. No surprise here. But religious influences can be so hidden that they are almost forgotten. In Latin countries, the Catholic faith creates a foundation for everyday life. Milestones are often connected with faith-based events like the celebration of a child's First Holy Communion.
Remember that holidays and festivals almost always have religious roots: In Barcelona, Spain, for instance, they celebrate St. George's Day (La Diada de Sant Jordi), which is similar to Valentine's Day, with an interesting twist. Guys give their leading ladies a rose, while girls give their boyfriends a book. This doesn't seem to have any religious tie-in, until you remember that George is the patron saint of the Catalonia region of Spain, and celebrating patron saints is a Catholic practice.
Not all Latinos are Catholic, but the Catholic faith is deeply ingrained in the culture. So celebrate your religious freedom, and look for ways that our religious roots play a role in our society.
Danny: I was taught to think for myself -- beyond the limitations of religion. We are all impressionable beings, and sometimes following one philosophy or belief system is less complicated than negotiating your own path.
My parents always taught me that who I was and what I would become was rooted in their upbringing, but fertilized by my thoughts, words and actions. Religion and culture certainly can be positive influences, but you must be allowed to make choices. Religion and culture fail you when they neutralize your personal moral compass and demand a one-size-fits-all approach. Don't buy into it. Spread your wings and open your mind.
We want your questions! Consejos is a bicultural advice column that focuses on relationships, identity and workplace issues. Contact: consejos@dallasnews.com or Consejos, The Dallas Morning News, P.O. Box 655237, Dallas, TX 75265 You can also visit dallasnews.com/consejos to access previous columns and to comment on the Consejos blog.
