The Role of Language for Latinas in Spiritual Connection

For many Latinas in the United States, language serves as more than just a means of communication – it’s a bridge to our spiritual and emotional well-being. This connection becomes particularly evident in spiritual direction, where the ability to express ourselves in our native language can profoundly impact our spiritual journey.

Language barriers can create significant obstacles in our spiritual growth. That’s why having access to bilingual spiritual resources and direction is crucial. When we can engage with our spirituality in both English and Spanish, we open doors to deeper understanding and more authentic expression.

For example, I carry out certain spiritual practices in English and others in Spanish. I always converse or pray to God in English. My dialogue with Jesus is bilingual and I code switch with him according to the situation while María or Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is always in Spanish. It would feel unnatural to ask her to intercede or be with me in English—like speaking to my Abuelita or Nana in English, which I would never do. Some saints I encountered in Catholic school or during my pastoral/theological formation and I only address in English, while others like San Judas Tadeo are exclusively in Spanish because that’s how they were introduced to me.

For Indigenous Latinas, this language dynamic becomes even more complex. Many carry not just Spanish and English, but also their ancestral indigenous languages as part of their spiritual heritage. These native languages often hold deep spiritual significance and contain concepts that don’t directly translate into Spanish or English. This trilingual spiritual experience adds another layer to how prayer, ritual, and connection are expressed.

Many Indigenous communities have experienced forced language loss through colonization and assimilation, making the reclamation of their native languages through spiritual practice an act of healing. When Indigenous Latinas incorporate their ancestral languages into their spiritual practice, they’re not just praying – they’re participating in the preservation and revitalization of their cultural heritage.

It’s also important to acknowledge that not all Latinas have the privilege of being bilingual or multilingual. Some Latinas may only speak one language due to various circumstances, including family history, violence, racism, discrimination, educational access, or generational distance from their family. This doesn’t make their spiritual journey any less valid or authentic. The essence of spiritual connection often transcends language, and we should be mindful not to create hierarchies or expectations around language abilities in spiritual spaces.

Remember, there’s no “right” language for spiritual connection. Whether you pray in Spanish, indigenous languages, English, or all, what matters most is finding authentic expression that honors your unique spiritual journey and connection to the divine/God.