This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Growing up, I felt there wasn’t a space where I truly belonged. The messages I received were that I wasn’t fully Mexican/Latina or that I just did not fit into the mainstream culture. For me, navigating the in between was the norm. Raised a Roman Catholic and very much grounded in the spiritual traditions passed on by the women in my family, I was always curious of other faith traditions and spiritual expressions. Yet, there was no space in my parish or home to really talk about these interests. I secretly began meditating at the age of 18 before I really knew or understood what it was, and before any of the research was published on its impact on the brain and well-being. I knew that this was not my abuelita’s spirituality. Eventually I discovered that I was a contemplative and I was fascinated by any type of meditative and contemplative practice. I was also left to explore my identity on my own, something that took years to truly understand and claim. The question that often echoed in my head was, “Who am I?”
After 27 years in pastoral ministry, I’ve realized that there are very few places where U.S. born or raised Latinas can explore our Latinidad, our way. Driven by the mission to be the influence I needed as a young Latina woman, I’ve launched Recetas. It is fitting that I launch Recetas on Día de los Muertos, the day we welcome back the souls of our loved ones who have passed on. On this day I welcome back the matriarchs in my familia to accompany me because Recetas was born out of a great deal of love and traditions passed on by these women who shared their own recipes for spirituality and self-care. But as with any recipe, we make adaptations based on what’s available and our own tastes. Recetas offers a space for mujeres who feel a desire to connect with their spirituality, traditions, and community in a way that feels authentic to them.
We are the first comunidad of U.S.-born or raised Latinas challenging the status quo and writing our own recetas (recipes) for what it means to be Latina in the U.S. At Recetas, we celebrate the richness and diversity of our culture while redefining our versions of Latinidad, on our terms.
Recetas will offer articles and live events along with collaborations with spirituality experts, psychologists, and mental health professionals. I have many plans for this community but for now, I welcome you to Recetas- so that you may grow and flourish personally, professionally, and spiritually– juntas. Bienvenidas!
Dr. Patty Jiménez is the Founder of Recetas. She obtained 2 Masters in Theology and Ministry and a Doctorate in Ministry specializing in Latinx theology and ministry. She has over 27 years experience in Catholic Ministry and is a spiritual director and training as a wellness coach.
1
Super exciting!
Yes it is Christina! Thanks for your support as I’ve discerned the path of this project.
This is awesome!
Thanks Norma!