At the Region VI Encuentro June 2-3 in Detroit, dioceses were asked to encourage priests and lay leaders to learn more about and provide space for Hispanic devotions and traditions.

Overall, about 40 percent of U.S. Catholics are Hispanic, according to the survey.

The multiyear encuentro process, which includes similar regional gatherings across the country, seeks to discern the needs, aspirations and faith practices of Hispanic Catholics in the United States.

New data shows the average age of a new priest at 33; the most common countries for foreign-born ordinands are Mexico, Vietnam, the Philippines and Colombia.

“They are also separating families, mothers from their children, at the border. That sends a definite signal, ‘Don’t come.’”

Within the U.S. Catholic Church, Latinos are on the path to becoming the new majority. But with a diversity of national origins, the Latino community cannot be limited to one voice.