A Spanish mass at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Nanaimo, presided over by Father Eduardo Da Silva Santos from Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Victoria, brought together more than 50 parishioners and faithful on January 11th, 2026 giving Catholics in the Latino community a chance to attend a service in their first language.
The mass was organized by Daniela Guevara, the parish receptionist at St. Peter’s and a Spanish speaker, who hoped to offer Nanaimo citizens the same opportunity available in Victoria and Vancouver where Spanish masses are more common.
As the mass took place shortly after the Christmas holidays, Guevara said, “We thought maybe we would have 20 maximum.” Instead, more than 50 people attended. Santos, who had pioneered Spanish masses in Victoria with about 15 attendees, was pleased with the numbers.
For many, the mass meant they didn’t have to translate the homily, readings, prayers, and hymn lyrics, which allowed them to “feel the words, ” Guevara explained.
Catalina Sotomayor, a Spanish speaker from Ecuador, shared that sentiment. “If the mass is in my language, for me it’s not just to understand, it’s the feeling. When you say the prayers, you actually feel the words that you’re saying.”
Sotomayer said attending mass in English can feel mentally demanding. “You’re thinking about pronunciation, what people around you think, and staying in sync,” she said. “In Spanish, you don’t have to think. It just comes naturally.” She said having a priest who speaks her language helps to connect to the congregation as well.
Songs familiar across Latin American cultures were chosen for their interactivity and engagement. “Spanish mass music is happier. We have drum kits, guitars, bass, piano. It’s like a full band,” Guevara said. “It’s more rhythmic, upbeat, and people clap. That’s normal.”
Although the mass was a trial run, organizers said its success will hopefully lead to more Spanish-language services. The parish is planning Spanish confession in March, bringing together priests from across Vancouver Island.
Guevara hopes offering mass in Spanish will encourage Catholics who haven’t been coming to church to return. “Just knowing it’s in their language will make people come,” she said. “That’s something really positive for the community.”
