WJLA-TV April 9, 2008
John and Mildred Garcia are parishioners at St. Anthony's Church in Falls Church and they can't wait for Pope Benedict to arrive.
Hispanics make up as much as half the Arlington Diocese, though firm numbers are hard to come by. Many are immigrants, like Luz Delaney, a native of Bolivia, who runs the Parish bookstore, where the Pope's books, medals and pictures are flying off the shelves.
"It's exciting, But sad because we have no tickets," said Delaney.
Hispanic immigrants, many with larger families, have offset a drop in recent years in the number of Catholics in America. They bring with them strong traditions, loyalties, and challenges. They are hoping Benedict's visit will ease anti-immigration sentiments.
"They will think twice," said Father Jose Hoyos, "I believe the church has defended, for many years, the less fortunate."
It's not just the Hispanic community waving the welcome flag, Father Jerome Magat of Filipino descent, from Our Lady of Lourdes in Arlington, has vanity plates on his Toyota.
"I walk around with a collar on all day, I'm already free advertising for the church, so why not just seal the deal, complete it?"
The Arlington Diocese will be getting 6,000 tickets to the papal mass next week at the new Nats stadium to be divvied up among it's parishes.
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