Hablemos, Tele

By: Tele Figueroa

Date: August 2, 2026

📢 The Echo of a Young Voice: A Lesson of Reverence at the Altar

Yesterday, at 1.30 pm, during the celebration of Sunday’s Spanish Mass, at St. Martin De Porres Parish, in Prosper, Texas, I was sitting right in front of the altar. What I witnessed during the second reading not only filled me with admiration, but also deeply moved a large part of the congregation.

As the first reading finished, I saw a young boy, a teenager, walk up to the ambo. After making an impeccable and respectful reverence, he walked with total confidence to find a small step stool, since his height did not yet allow him to reach the microphone. With great calm, he placed the stool in its spot, stepped up, found the reading in the book, looked serenely at the entire community, and began to proclaim the Word with perfect diction and the poise of a professional speaker.

When he finished, the scene was just as beautiful. Without any rush, he closed the liturgical book, stepped down from the stool, returned it exactly to where it was before, and, after making another reverence to the altar, walked back to where his parents were sitting. The moment was so spontaneous and full of grace that several of us in the congregation could not help but break into applause.

In a world full of rush, seeing a teenager care for every detail with such respect, order, and love for God is a living testimony. It reminds us that youth is not just the future of our Church, but a vibrant present that sustains our faith.

Youth, the altar is waiting for you!

To you, the young person reading this from the pew: this testimony is for you. The Church needs your voice, your energy, and your courage. Do not be afraid to step forward and prepare yourself to serve the Lord. If a young boy could give us such a lesson in excellence and love for the liturgy, so can you!

We deeply thank this young man for his service, and his parents for guiding him on the path of faith. May God continue to bless the youth of our parish!