WYNNE — Before June 3, most of northeast Arkansas’ Hispanic community faced at least an hour-long drive to attend Mass. This challenge is now being addressed by a Sunday afternoon Mass at St. Peter Church in Wynne.
The Mass in Wynne began June 3 after pastor Father Arokiasamy “Samy” Madhichetty Irudayaraj realized that there was a good number of Hispanics in the local community. Today, he said the 5 p.m. Sunday Mass has “almost 60 faithful attending.”
“I feel great because we used to go to Memphis or Jonesboro,” Lorenco Paris said. “It’s nice to now come here for Mass in Spanish.”
Sister Elaine Willett, OSB, of Holy Angels Convent in Jonesboro said Spanish-speaking Catholics were previously forced to travel to Jonesboro, Memphis or Blytheville.
Even then, there were some Catholics unable to attend their local Mass because they had to work during the time Mass was offered. Sister Elaine said those with conflicting schedules now have a second option as well as an easier travel distance.
“So now instead of going from Forrest City to Jonesboro, they can stop here,” she said. “It’s going to be good for this area because more and more are going to come.”
And more are expected to attend. Sister Elaine, who works for the Diocese of Little Rock’s Hispanic ministry, said she has already received word that more would be in attendance when migrant workers move back into the area within the next month for harvest.
The parish, founded in 1921, has traditionally hosted only a Sunday morning Mass in English. Still in its infancy, Sister Elaine said she volunteered to help with the Mass after Father Madhichetty, originally from India, mentioned that he would begin celebrating Masses although he could only read, not speak, Spanish.
Sister Elaine said she usually attends each Sunday Mass in Wynne with one of three Jonesboro diaconate candidates who help deliver the homily and translate for Father Madhichetty. A second Holy Angels Convent nun, Sister Mary Clare Bezner, who also works with the diocese’s Hispanic ministry, attends occasionally as well.
Father Madhichetty said the parish’s members have responded slowly but gradually to the new addition.
“I’ve been coming the last three or four weeks because it’s relaxing and I love it,” Polly Davis said smiling, although she admitted she doesn’t know how to speak or read Spanish.
Davis, a lifelong member of St. Peter Parish, said she does think it is great to have a Spanish Mass in Wynne. Another lifelong parish member and sacristan Henry Boeckmann said it’s been an interesting experience, although it does take a little more preparation work.
“It’s good to know I am helping make the sacraments available to others,” he said.
Boeckmann said while it is hard to follow the language, it is comforting to see and be able to follow the Mass through traditional gestures made throughout the liturgy regardless of the language the Mass is celebrated in.
“It is going on very well,” Father Madhichetty said. “People are very much supportive. We have a very good Hispanic choir.”
The three-member choir is the latest addition to the Mass. Sister Elaine said the trio only recently volunteered to provide the music as well as worship guides so Mass attendees can sing along with them.
“They are doing an excellent job,” Sister Elaine said.
Presently, St. Peter is only offering one Mass a week in Spanish.
“Depending on the need, we will think of other services,” Father Madhichetty said. “I feel that it will take time to establish ourselves. At this moment, I am thankful to Stephen Gadberry, a seminarian from our parish who has been a big help for me to begin the Spanish Mass. I thank Sister Mary Elaine and Sister Mary Clare from Jonesboro who support our parish for the Hispanic ministry.”
