CLEVELAND — You can find Miguel Miranda any day of the week.

He was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and he is now the maintenance manager for La Sagrada Familia Catholic Church in Cleveland.

What You Need To Know

  • La Sagrada Familia Parish in Cleveland offers five out of six of their weekly masses in Spanish

  • The Catholic church's weekend masses draw in hundreds of Spanish-speaking Ohioans

  • Miguel Miranda, who's volunteered with the church for more than a decade, said the parish is a pillar in Cleveland's Hispanic and Latino community

“I have been here for many years now," he said. "I came here in 1971 and I have not returned to Puerto Rico.”

Over the year’s he’s seen other Catholic church pop up in the city’s west side but his loyalty lies here.

“I can go to an American church but it's not the same for me. Although I understand and everything, but it is different to share here with the Hispanics themselves,” he said.

About 13% of Cleveland’s population identifies as Hispanic and Latino, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Miranda said the church is a hub for the community.

“Different countries — Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic,” he said. “All those Hispanics are united here.”

Miranda said the pews are often full.

“An average of 600 people on the weekend,” he said.

Leonor Rodríguez is one of the hundreds of parishioners. She moved to Cleveland from Puerto Rico over three decades ago, visiting La Sagrada Familia church in 1997, the year it was established. 

Since then, she has attended every Spanish mass on Tuesday.

“I like the people. I like the priests who are, have been here. I like the community,” Rodríguez said.

Rodríguez said she doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon.

“This is my parish, and here I am going to stay until God sends me to look for him,” she said.

Like Rodríguez and many others, Miranda said the church is now his home away from home.

“Here is my family, my friends and everything,” Miranda said. “All my family in Puerto Rico. I think the only thing I have left is a brother in Puerto Rico, nothing more.”