US bishops launch Spanish Facebook page

Friday, September 21st, 2012

The US bishops’ conference has launched a Spanish-language Facebook page to cater to the growing number of Hispanic populations in many areas of the country.

“Hispanics make up 16 percent of the total US population, almost 40 percent of US Catholics, and 50 percent of US Catholics under age 25,” explained Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, head of the US bishops’ communications committee.

“It is critically important to engage this demographic, especially through the expanding field of social media, and provide them with accurate, quality information that encourages them to grow in their faith,” he added.

The English-language Facebook page of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops has operated for about three years and has already reached more than 40,000 people.

The bishops’ conference is also active on Twitter in both Spanish and English.

The new Spanish-language Facebook page features news stories from the bishops’ conference and other sources, including quotes from saints and information on faith-building resources.

Also posted on the social media page are pictures and information about Mother Teresa’s missionary work in Latin America.

The page was launched in time for the National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Sources