An Oct. 7 Hispanic Heritage Month Mass at Rochester’s Our Lady of the Americas Church kicked off the Diocese of Rochester’s third-annual Hispanic Ministry Leadership Conference, which occurred the following day. Auxiliary Bishop Nelson Peréz from the Diocese of Rockville Centre presided over the bilingual Mass. Following the liturgy, a celebration was held in the church hall honoring Father Laurence Tracy’s 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. During the celebration, Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren awarded Father Tracy the key to the city.
Father Laurence Tracy watches a dance performance during a gathering in his honor at Rochester’s Our Lady of the Americas Church Oct. 7., celebrating the 50th anniversary of his priest ordination.
Rufino Pabon kneels in prayer during Mass.
Bishop Nelson Peréz of the Diocese of Rockville Centre presides at the Mass.
Nine-year-old Abril Ariza (left) and her mother, Laura Paez, dance during the celebration.
Rochester Mayer Lovely Warren presents Father Laurence Tracy with the key to the city.
Nelissa Pérez (left) and Francisco Restitullo dance during the celebration following Mass.
Father Laurence Tracy (right) processes into Mass, followed by Fathers Jorge Ramírez (from left) Mickey McGrath and Bob Werth.
