In a city populated by the powerful, the poorest among Washingtonians often go unnoticed. But at the Catholic Charities’ bustling Spanish Catholic Center in Northwest D.C., Father Mario Dorsonville, 48, takes notice and takes care. He directs the center providing health and social services to more than 31,000 people each year. Father Dorsonville sat down with The Examiner to explain what inspires his service.
Do you consider yourself to be of a specific faith?
I am a Catholic. One of the most important things for me is how Catholics are united — by one prayer, one faith, by our respect for others’ needs and sufferings, and by how this universal church is expressed in every corner — from small towns to big cities to the mountains — by the same disposition for hope, love and faith. That’s the most beautiful thing — that always touches my heart.
Has there been a person or event that has especially influenced your faith or your path in life?
You know, if there is one person who’s been extremely powerful it is the Lord Jesus, through prayer. When you find yourself praying, sometimes it is painful and sometimes you don’t understand it. But when you receive a life through prayer — not necessarily what you planned for — but you’re there and you’re your best self. That is a confirmation for following God’s will in your life.
Your health clinic serves thousands of uninsured people each year. How has that affected your view of the health care debate going on in our capital? Do we have a moral obligation to provide health care for everyone in this country?
Absolutely. I am convinced that one of the most important responsibilities of the government is to take care of its citizens, and especially those who don’t have the means for themselves. And not only to give them health coverage, but also to provide a multicultural approach, and clinics that speak their own languages.
I would like to see the future of health care reform include small clinics like ours, where people can relate with the provider, and can bring their grandmother or uncle or wife or children to us. And where we can capture free talent through volunteers — we have 20 dentists, for example, who come each month because they want to serve. That is an asset that could disappear without these kinds of nonprofit clinics. I’d like leaders to think about how we spend our resources to incorporate places like this. To think the hospitals can do it alone — I don’t think so.
How does your role as a priest influence the ongoing debate about immigration?
As a priest my banner is the value of the human person. I know through the teachings of the church that every country has the right to take care of its borders — that’s clear. But there’s another approach we can take, too, and that is the right of people to move — to walk — to freedom. I don’t get immersed in discussions of if they come or if they don’t come, because the government has a role and we respect that. But we need to serve those who are here. That is our commitment; that is our passion. We transform lives by the experience of love, not by rejection.
At your core, what is one of your defining beliefs?
I believe in the compassion of the American people who consistently reflect a strong sense of generosity, and an openness not only to deal with, but also to take care of the fragile human existence. I have seen the rich give a lot to humanitarian causes, and the poor give the little that they have. That is a powerful message for this country — it is the greatest nation in the world because in so many ways Americans are conscious about giving of themselves. When you get to know this kind of dedication you see that God is beyond religion and inspires us in so many ways to do our best as human beings. I believe in the devotion of the human person.
