Prayer for the World September 17, 2025

Hispanic Heritage Month

Creation Spirituality

Introduction

Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, is a time to celebrate Hispanic culture and achievement.  In our prayer today we will call to mind its contribution to creation spirituality through the influence of indigenous traditions and the development of liberation theology.  These elements, which we can only touch on today, have shaped a unique spirituality that emphasizes a deep, mystical connection to the natural world and a commitment to social and ecological justice. 

Long before the arrival of Europeans, indigenous civilizations like the Aztecs, Maya, and Inca had complex spiritual systems deeply connected to nature. 

These traditions, which were largely suppressed during colonization, continue to influence contemporary spirituality and contribute to creation-centered perspectives.   Many indigenous traditions held a profound respect for the earth and its cycles, viewing the land, animals, and cosmos as sacred. 

This creation spirituality is reflected in the song “De Colores" many of us are familiar with.   It is a Spanish folk song meaning "Of Colors," celebrating the joy of nature's vibrant colors and the unity of diversity. Its meaning evolved, becoming a hymn of divine love and grace in Christian spiritual movements, like the Cursillo, and a rallying cry for social justice as the anthem of the United Farm Workers movement.  

Song:  De Colores https://youtu.be/48vNfKUHWRw?si=fVYr6Fn2KzHSCgrN

The lyrics depict an expression of joy and a celebration of all creation with its many bright colors.

De Colores, De Colores se visten los campos en la primavera

De Colores, De Colores son los pajarillos que vienen de afuera

De Colores, De Colores es el arco iris que vemos lucir(Refrain) 

Y por eso los grandes amores De muchos colores

Me gustan a mi (repeat)

Canta el gallo, Canta el gallo con el quiri quiri quiri quiri quiri

La gallina, La gallina con el cara cara cara cara cara

Los polluelos, Los polluelos con el pio pio pio pio pi  (Refrain)

Quiet Reflection

Litany of Prayer

Devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Hispanic Community is a profound element of Hispanic spirituality.  We will include the titles Guadalupe used to introduce herself* in the following Litany: 

 --Mother of the God of Truth*               Pray for us.

--Mother of the Giver of Life*                Pray for us.

--Mother of the Creator*                        Pray for us.

--Mother of the One who makes the sun and the earth*             Pray for us.

--Mother of the One who is near*                                            Pray for us.

--Mother of the afflicted and neglected                                    Pray for us.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, we come to you as a symbol of a new creation, a new people*, a symbol of love and hope.   Help us to rejoice in the diversity of God’s Creation, especially among God’s People.  Help us to stand with those who are suffering and most vulnerable as your Son has taught us.  Thank you for the tender love you have shown to all God’s children, especially those who are afflicted and neglected.    Amen.

Quiet Reflection

Closing Song:  De Colores, a hymn of divine love and grace

*Dr. Jeanette Rodriguez