Ana works to celebrate the richness of Hispanic heritage while fostering unity and helping Catholics encounter Christ within their own cultural traditions.

“As Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry, my role impacts our Diocese because we are called to be bridges and to walk together as one community that encounters Christ and Courageously Lives the Gospel within our unique traditions,” Ana said. “And that is what I am honored and blessed to do, to accompany my brothers and sisters in this earthly pilgrimage.”

Through the Office of Hispanic Ministry, Ana creates opportunities for Catholics to deepen their faith while honoring their cultural heritage.

“The Office of Hispanic Ministry celebrates the richness of Hispanic heritage as a reflection of Christ and fosters unity in diversity, equipping the faithful to live as missionary disciples through bilingual liturgies, cultural celebrations, and collaborative ministry,” she said.

Ana's own faith journey began in Mexico, where faith was an important aspect of her family life. But it was after her family moved to the United States, when she and her siblings were teenagers, that her relationship with the Catholic faith began to take on a deeper meaning. 

“I was blessed by my parish community; the doors were fully open, and they took us in,” she said. “The community at the time was going through a restoring moment of formation which made a huge impact on me as a 15-year-old,” she said. “I was given a voice and a place, and slowly I started to get involved in more opportunities that nourished me spiritually and that helped me encounter Christ.”

It is Ana’s hope that by honoring the richness of different traditions she can help others across the Diocese of Saint Petersburg encounter Christ and Courageously Live the Gospel.