Guiding light

Holy Angels Education Center shepherding immigrants


Luis Soto stood before a crowded room gathered for the grand opening of Holy Angels Education Center, leaning on his own journey in offering hope to those in the Hispanic community facing challenges today.

“As an immigrant myself,” Soto began, “I learned some time ago that immigrants, particularly Hispanic immigrants, are not a problem to solve or a challenge to overcome, but an asset to invest in.

“Particularly in the Catholic Church, even more preeminent here in Oklahoma, where about half of all Catholics are Hispanic, and the vast majority of them newcomers. It is time to invest in them, in the desire to integrate into our society and bring out the best.”

With an emphasis on “Christ’s call to love God and neighbor,” Holy Angels Education Center celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 20, with many in attendance, including Archbishop Paul Coakley, Oklahoma senators, community leaders and more, including student success stories who have already benefited from the center.

One of the students, Miguel Escobedo, said he initially helped in remodeling the church building which would become Holy Angels, only to learn more and decide to take advantage of the classes offered. Escobedo eventually went on to take the course and successfully passed the classes which would lead to him to U.S. citizenship.

Another student, Martin Rodriguez, also took the classes and was pleased to tell Sooner Catholic he, too, had passed the classes and looked forward to being integrated into American life and society, following a positive experience at Holy Angels.

In a statement, Coakley made it clear that he is “proud” of the work Holy Angels does and pleased that the ministry helps “those in transition as they seek a deeper integration into our community and culture.”

Those in attendance were informed of the U.S. Citizenship classes the students take, English as a Second Language and “digital literacy for job readiness.”

The ceremony began in the main church building, at 317 N. Blackwelder Avenue, the same place where Holy Angels Catholic Church served parishioners until it was shuttered in 2023. Speakers included Escobedo and Rodriguez, two Mexican men learning English, American history and financial literacy, among other subjects offered at the center and important to those wishing to integrate into American society.

But it was Luis Soto, the senior director who operates Holy Angels, who had a vision of a place that would offer educational opportunities to immigrants – particularly Spanish-speaking folks – to learn what it is to be American and what one must do to integrate into the society. Helping Soto in the directing of Holy Angels is Hilda De Leon Xavier.

“The center, it’s a place where we can offer immigrants, particularly Hispanics, the opportunity to integrate into American society by learning English, the history and culture all while becoming citizens of the country,” Soto said. “Learning how to start their own business, learning finances and tax preparation and everything” that goes with integrating into American life.

More than 175 students have gone through the program since it was introduced last fall, following the soft opening of Holy Angels.
 
When asked if immigration status comes into play when someone comes to Holy Angels, Soto said it does not, adding that he felt that subject did not need to be delved into at that time.

Still, Soto reiterated that “everyone is welcome.”

Soto added that information about Holy Angels is being shared through many of the parishes in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City that serve Spanish-speaking parishioners.

Following the presentation at the old church, the event shifted to the education center itself, beginning with a ribbon cutting at the front door, where Larann Wilson, associate director of the Secretariat for Evangelization and Catechesis, offered remarks.

“Friends, we gather not only to open the doors of a new building, but to unlock the potential within it,” Wilson said. “This center represents more than just brick and mortar, it stands as a beacon of learning, opportunity, community and growth.”

Wilson continued, highlighting the “passion, perseverance and partnership” that came together to make Holy Angels a reality.

Father Joseph Irwin, senior pastor of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Norman, said he thinks Holy Angels will be a “wonderful resource for the Catholic community and the Oklahoma City community.”

Annette de Dios, who works as the program coordinator at Holy Angels, told Sooner Catholic that the grand opening “went better than anticipated” and “I’m really excited the way things came together.
 
“If they go through Facebook or our website all of our classes are there.”

The U.S. citizenship class is “almost at capacity,” with 30 students, de Dios said. “I’ve got 60 overall, 65% capacity. We’re still excited!”

Beatriz Hernandez, who came to check out the grand opening, spoke to the importance of the center to the community.

“It will give our people opportunities,” she said.

The hope is that many take advantage of the opportunity.

“We are grateful for the dedication of the staff, the volunteers, who have only begun this important work,” Coakley said.

Andrew W. Griffin is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.


Photo: (Above) The grand opening of the Holy Angels Education Center was held on Aug. 20 in Oklahoma City. Some of the classes provided at the center include English as a second language, U.S. citizenship and financial literacy. The center is a ministry of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and is located at 317 N. Blackwelder Avenue. Learn more about how the center “educates, equips and empowers” at holyangelseducation.org. Pictured (l to r): Hilda De Leon Xavier, Archbishop Paul Coakley, Very Rev. William Novak, V.G. and Luis Soto. Photos Chris Porter/Sooner Catholic.