Among several Spanish-speaking countries and among many Hispanics in the United States, there is the custom of celebrating the passage from childhood to adolescence with a ritual that expresses thanksgiving to God for the gift of life and that asks for a blessing from God for the years ahead. This celebration may take place within Mass or outside of Mass. Commonly asked questions about the Blessing on the Fifteenth Birthday (Quinceañera) are answered here.
The quinceañera is a traditional celebration of life and gratitude to God on the occasion of the fifteenth birthday of a young Hispanic woman. The ritual emphasizes her passage from childhood to adulthood. The family usually requests a Mass or a blessing to be held in the Church. The rite is frequently celebrated in several countries in the Americas, including Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Hispanic Catholics frequently request it in the dioceses of the United States of America.
The Church aims for three goals: empowering young people to live as disciples of Christ in today’s world; drawing young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community; and fostering the personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
The quinceañera ritual is valuable for the religious message it sends not only to young people but also to parents, grandparents, godparents, and the entire parish in calling them to prayerfully join with youth in making a commitment to God and the Church.
Call the Church office to schedule a quinceañera.
415-333-3627