Spanish-language churches in East TN offer sanctuary, community

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — All across East Tennessee there are Spanish-language churches or Latino-centered churches of every denomination.

Many of the congregations at these churches are also growing, as Don Hudson found out during a recent visit to a Spanish language church service as part of our Hispanic Heritage special coverage.

Members of the Tomas family make their way to church nearly every week. Andres Tomas said he and his family have been attending mass at The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus for 15 years.

“Every Sunday – and thankfully we come with the entire family,” he said. “And we invite everyone to come join us every Sunday.”

Andres, his wife, and children also come early to make sure they get a good seat. That’s because the congregation at this Catholic church is more than 1,000. Andres said the congregation is much bigger than it was a few years ago.

“Before, not that many people came to church. But now there are a lot of people participating at the Sacred Heart.”

Father Jhon Mario Garcia agreed.

“When the pandemic came to an end, the community grew even more,” Garcia said. “Every Sunday, we have a full church.”

Garcia, who provides the sermon for the Spanish language service, said there are people here from thirteen different Spanish-speaking countries. In his opinion, Latinos in the area keep coming to church because it provides them with a familiar peace and strength they experienced in their home countries.

“When the people come for the holy communion they leave filled with God. Ready to give God to the world,” Garcia said. “And today at this moment, more than ever, we need direct contact with God.”

That’s why Petra Monterrosas said she attends church here.

“The spirit is here in the church,” she said. “I like the peace that sermons primarily convey to me.”

Petra is originally from Mexico. She now lives in Morristown and makes the one hour drive each Sunday to the Knoxville church with her children and grandchildren.

“I like the images. The church is beautiful. I really like to come here.”

Garcia said immigration also plays a role in the growth of his congregation. But he added, what they get from coming, is what really brings them back week after week.

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