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.