A Catholic official offers Hispanics hope, help

With a mother from El Salvador and an Irish-American father from Minnesota, Erik Giblin learned early how to walk between cultures.

That knowledge has served him well in his first few months as director of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond's Office for the Hispanic Apostolate.

"What I do now is because of how I was raised," said Giblin, 37, who grew up Catholic in Southern California. "In me was created a space for understanding; now I try to create that space in others. "

As director of the Hispanic Apostolate, Giblin represents the bishop, the Most Rev. Francis X. DiLorenzo, in the rapidly growing Hispanic community. He said his three main goals are education for adults, supporting youth and building communication between Hispanics and other Virginia Catholics.

"Higher education allows the very best in a person to emerge," Giblin said. And open communication between people involved in decision making -- state leaders, families, churches and law enforcement -- is critical to solving problems, he added.

One challenge many Hispanics face is lack of inclusion in the society in which they live and work, Giblin said.

"Part of what I do is to establish communication between the different groups of people and help the Hispanics and Latinos to have a voice or to find their voice and use it," said Giblin, a soft-spoken man with a hearty laugh.

"The first step is giving people a sense of welcome. Let them know they are respected by listening to them. Help them understand they can change the circumstances in which they live."

Giblin started his new job on July 21. Before coming to work in the Richmond area, he lived in Northern Virginia, where he taught Spanish at Annandale High School.

He previously served as a program officer with the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights in Washington, where he was responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing human-rights campaigns and projects in the U.S., Colombia, Guatemala and Vietnam.

While working at the Kennedy Memorial Center, he said, he spearheaded efforts that led to the release of Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, who was in prison in Vietnam for his efforts in human rights.

Giblin also worked to improve conditions for migrant workers, including the uncovering of four migrant worker slavery cases in Florida.

Working in human rights seems a natural fit for Giblin, who as a youth volunteered with Catholic Charities in Orange County, Calif., and later assisted with after-school programs for children and citizenship classes for adults.

"Since I was very young, I have seen people who were in need and people who have been maltreated," he said. "When someone is a newcomer to an area, or anyone who is powerless is maltreated, it hurts both the victim and the perpetrator. Love is grounded in right relationships. Relationships should be anchored in charity and justice."

Giblin was chosen for his current job after applying almost two years ago. During the selection process, he met with members of the diocese's Hispanic Commission, which includes representatives from 12 regions.

Newport News resident Benny Malavé, Hispanic Commission chairman, said Giblin's work is benefiting the Hispanic community and Catholic Church.

"He has really brought in good ideas to the diocese. His background and knowledge [are] very helpful," Malavé said. "Erik is well-received by the people. The position is not only important for the Hispanic community, it is very important for the whole diocese."

About 29 percent of U.S. Catholics are Hispanic. In the Richmond diocese, an estimated 70,000 of about 228,000 parishioners are Hispanic.

In the diocese, 25 churches out of 152 offer Mass in Spanish. Ten other churches have significant Hispanic membership.

Said Giblin, "I feel I heard the call of God to serve, and I believe part of my mission is to serve others."

He added, "We as people of faith are called to be a sign of hope for others. We must work and act in a way that upholds the dignity of everyone."