The Esperanza family mourns the loss of Rosa Miriam Cortés (May 19, 1937 – February 6, 2026), beloved mother of Rev. Luis Cortés, Jr., Founder & CEO of Esperanza; Albert Cortés, retired New York State Court Officer; and Rev. Danny Cortés, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Esperanza.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Esperanza Chapel Fund, helping bring to life a sacred space for reflection, prayer, and community.
As one of the nation’s largest Hispanic faith-based nonprofit organizations—founded by the Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia—Esperanza has long envisioned a chapel to serve our neighbors, students, and guests. La Capilla Camino Esperanza will offer a sacred space for quiet contemplation and community worship, provide sanctuary to the stranger, and bring renewed hope to those long burdened by poverty, trauma, and neglect—a place to step away from the pressures of daily life and rediscover the promise found in God’s abundant love.
While the family grieves, they take comfort in their faith and in the strength of the Esperanza community. As Scripture reminds us in Psalm 91:1–2, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
To make a donation and support the vision for a chapel on Esperanza’s main campus click the button below.