Episode 036 – Gente Puente: Young Hispanic Catholics, Belonging, and the Future of the Church with Gabriella Escalante

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Christopher Wesley sits down with Gabriella Escalante, Pastoral Juvenil Coordinator at the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI). Originally from Venezuela, Gabi shares her journey from hesitant young adult newcomer in Miami to a leader serving across 30 dioceses in the southeastern United States.

Gabi reflects on how her father’s search for community drew her into young adult ministry, how a child’s simple words about speaking Spanish in a “safe place” changed her vocational path, and how SEPI is forming leaders and building bridges for the next generation of Hispanic Catholics. Together, they explore what it means to accompany young people facing cultural tension, mental health struggles, and questions of belonging—while also celebrating the gifts and leadership they bring to the Church.

Key Takeaways

• A Mission Rooted in Family: Gabi grew up in a missionary Catholic family, and her father’s search for community in Miami opened the door for her to enter ministry.
• A Defining Moment: Hearing a six-year-old tell his sibling it was safe to speak Spanish in church awakened her call to serve Hispanic youth and young adults.
• SEPI’s Story: For nearly 50 years, the Southeast Pastoral Institute has served as the Hispanic ministry office for bishops in the Southeast, equipping leaders and building communion, evangelization, and formation.
• Bilingual & Bicultural Ministry: Today’s young Hispanic Catholics often navigate English socially and Spanish spiritually; ministry must embrace both languages and cultures.
• Challenges Facing Young Hispanics: Anxiety, fear for family stability, generational responsibilities, and the constant search for belonging are key struggles young adults face.
• Accompaniment Matters: The Church’s greatest gift is presence—seeing, listening to, and empowering young people to step into leadership as “gente puente,” people who bridge cultures.

What Gabi Recommends

• Go-To Practice: Writing poetry in Spanish as a way of prayer and connection with God.
• What She’s Reading: Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen, along with poetry and contemporary Christian authors like Morgan Harper Nichols.
• What She’s Watching: The Summer I Turned Pretty—both as a guilty pleasure and as a way to understand what resonates with young people today.

Connect with Gabi and SEPI
🌐 sepi.us – Learn more about SEPI’s programs and impact.
📱 Instagram: @sepimiami

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Recorded on Riverside - HERE

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