The 2000 presidential election made Broward County, Florida, a household name because of "hanging and dimpled chads."

But Broward County is also noted for its rapid growth in ethnic populations.  In particular, persons with Hispanic roots, mostly from Central and South America, have been moving in large numbers into homes in Broward County.

The Missionary Oblates pastor the parish of St. Stephen Protomartyr in Broward County.  The parish has the distinction of being the first to offer Sunday Mass in Spanish in Broward County, as early as 1981.  The Hispanic members of the parish have rapidly grown in number over the years, taking their place alongside the English-speaking community.  In fact, St. Stephen's is a veritable United Nations.  Besides the Hispanic faithful, there are the original members of various European backgrounds.  More recently, there are new members from such places as Trinidad, Pakistan, the Philippines, Haiti, and others.

The Hispanic roots are in at least 17 different cultures.  There are now two Masses in Spanish each week, and many of the parish ministries are geared toward and led by members of the Hispanic faithful who have well-developed skills as lay ecclesial ministers.

In an effort to bring unity among the various Hispanic groups, the people decided to celebrate their cultures, as well as their common bonds, with an annual "Festival de Hispanidad." 

On the weekend of October 12, 2003, the 12th annual festival took place.  In the entry procession of the Masses, parishioners, some wearing colorful costumes denoting their family origins, carried their homelands' flags.  The procession was led by persons carrying the flags of the United States and the Vatican.

Singing and dancing according to the various cultures took place on a stage set up in the parking lot.  Ethnic foods of many kinds were available for the tasting, from empanadas and tostones to pupusas and American-style chile and perros calientes (hot dogs)!

St. Stephen's former convent houses the Blessed Joseph Gerard Community of Oblate pre-novices.  Pastor of St. Stephen's is Fr. Steve Conserva, OMI, and the Associate Pastor is Fr. Paul Ouellette, OMI.