Family’s memorable day connects them to Archbishop Thompson

Hector and Erika Salcedo pose for a photo in the choir loft of SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis on July 28, a day when Hector played the cathedral’s pipe organ and Erika sang in the choir during the installation Mass of Archbishop Charles C. Thompson. (Photo by John Shaughnessy)

By John Shaughnessy

For Hector and Erika Salcedo, sharing their musical gifts at the installation Mass of Archbishop Charles C. Thompson highlighted a memorable day for their family that just arrived in the United States five months ago.

The couple and their two young daughters moved from Guadalajara, Mexico, during the late winter so Hector could accept a position as the director of music at St. Malachy Parish in Brownsburg.

The move lets Hector spend more time with his wife and their children, 5-year-old Clara and 3-year-old Sophia. The move also led Hector and Erika to have the honor of participating in Archbishop Thompson’s installation Mass at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis on July 28—a day when Erika and Sophia also both celebrated their birthdays.

“For our family, it’s three celebrations in one,” noted Erika, 37, who sang in the choir during the Mass. “We celebrate the new archbishop, and that celebration falls on my daughter’s birthday and my birthday.”

Erika studied singing for five years in Rome, the Italian city where Hector studied organ and music composition at the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music. He played the prelude and the postlude of the installation Mass on the cathedral’s pipe organ.

“For me, this is very important. This is a great opportunity,” Hector said. “I used to play in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. I’ve played in the cathedral in Mexico. I like the celebrations. And my wife has the opportunity to sing on her birthday at this important Mass. So she is very happy.”

Another highlight of the day involved Hector’s brother from Mexico, Father Eduardo Salcedo. Arriving in central Indiana for a visit with Hector’s family, Father Salcedo also had the joy of concelebrating the installation Mass.

It’s all part of what has been a special transition to Indiana for the family

“In Mexico, I worked all day every day, and I didn’t have any days off,” Hector said. “Now I have more time to spend with my family. For me, that’s most important now. We’re very happy.”

Erika added, “I love that he has time to be with us. And I love the community here. People are very friendly here. To live in this country is very beautiful for us.”

So was the opportunity to participate at the archbishop’s installation Mass.

“Both of us love music,” she said. “For me, singing is the thing I love to do most in the world. I love to sing for God. It’s the way I can express my love and gratitude to God.” †