Bad Bunny: From Grocery Bagger to Bagging the World

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio on March 10, 1994, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and raised in the humble Almirante Sur barrio of Vega Baja, embodies the classic rags-to-riches story that resonates deeply with many in marginalized communities. Growing up in a lower-middle-class household—his father a truck driver and his mother an English teacher—Benito was immersed in a devout Catholic environment from an early age. He served as an altar boy and sang in the church choir at Most Holy Trinity Parish until he was about 13, experiences that shaped his early life and instilled a sense of humility and connection to his roots, even as his fame skyrocketed.

Like so many young Hispanics and Blacks in places like the Bronx or Puerto Rico's barrios, Benito turned to music as an outlet while facing everyday struggles. After high school, he worked as a bagger and cashier at an Econo supermarket in Vega Baja to support himself while studying audiovisual communication at the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo. In his spare time, he would go home to his modest room and create beats and music in a humble home studio setup—using whatever equipment he could afford or access. This DIY approach mirrors the grassroots creativity seen in urban communities worldwide, where aspiring artists bootstrap their dreams without big budgets or industry connections.

This path feels familiar to me personally. In the mid-90s to early 2000s, as a youth, I did something very similar. I spent hours in my room crafting beats and tracks with Pro Tools and Acid software, layering sounds on my Yamaha workstation 2816, Yamaha keyboards, and Casio keyboards. I'd write lyrics on my old ClarisWorks word processor and even got hands-on experience working at the studio at Bronx Community College. Those late nights experimenting, recording, and dreaming of breaking through were fueled by the same passion that drove young Benito—proving that talent and determination can emerge from the most ordinary settings.

Benito's stage name, Bad Bunny (or "El Conejo Malo" in Spanish), has a lighthearted yet telling origin. As a child, he was once forced to wear a bunny costume for a school or Easter event, and a photo captured him looking visibly annoyed and grumpy. Years later, reflecting on that image, he chose "Bad Bunny" as his moniker—knowing it was catchy, memorable, and marketable. Everyone recognizes a bunny, he reasoned, and the "bad" twist added edge. He began uploading his tracks to SoundCloud around 2013-2016, experimenting with reggaetón, Latin trap, and his distinctive nasal voice and eclectic style.

His breakthrough came in 2016 with the track "Diles", which caught the ear of producer DJ Luian while Benito was still at the supermarket. Luian signed him to Hear This Music, and soon collaborations and viral hits followed. Songs like "Soy Peor," "Mayores" with Becky G, and "Chambea" showcased his unique blend of trap beats, reggaetón rhythms, and bold lyrics. By 2017-2018, he was featured on massive tracks like Cardi B and J Balvin's "I Like It," which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album X 100PRE (2018) peaked high on charts, and from there, his rise was meteoric—fueled by independent releases, strategic YouTube videos, and a refusal to conform to traditional label paths early on.

Bad Bunny's stardom accelerated rapidly. He became Spotify's most-streamed artist multiple years running, with billions of streams. Albums like YHLQMDLG (2020), El Último Tour Del Mundo (2020), and Un Verano Sin Ti (2022) dominated global charts, blending genres from trap to salsa, bomba, and plena. He shattered records: most-streamed artist on Spotify, massive tours, and cultural impact that made Latin music mainstream in the U.S. and beyond.

His awards haul is staggering. He has won multiple Grammys (including making history with Spanish-language wins), numerous Latin Grammys (often sweeping categories), Billboard Music Awards, MTV VMAs, and more—frequently breaking barriers as the first non-English act to top certain lists or win major honors.

One pinnacle was his Super Bowl halftime show performance (in 2026), which drew massive viewership—estimates ranging from 128 million to over 135 million viewers, surpassing previous records like Kendrick Lamar's 133.5 million and Usher's. This dwarfed competing alternative shows, such as one featuring Kid Rock under Turning Point USA auspices, which peaked at far lower numbers (around 5-6 million on streams). Bad Bunny's show celebrated Puerto Rican culture unapologetically, blending joy, pride, and social commentary.

Throughout his success, Bad Bunny has remained remarkably humble. He credits his family, faith roots, and Puerto Rico for grounding him. He stays close to his people—investing in the island's economy through concerts, addressing local issues, and returning often. His Catholicism, though he describes a more personal, less outwardly practicing relationship now (noting relatives pray for him), traces back to those choir and altar boy days, influencing his sense of community and moral compass.

Bad Bunny has been a vocal advocate for women and the LGBTQIA+ community. In 2020, he wore a skirt and T-shirt reading "They killed Alexa, not a man in a skirt" on The Tonight Show, protesting the murder of trans woman Alexa Negrón Luciano in Puerto Rico and media misgendering. Tracks like "Yo Perreo Sola" empower women to dance alone without harassment, challenging objectification and machismo. His drag appearances and gender-fluid fashion highlight disrespect toward women (treated as sex objects) and violence against trans people.

He's outspoken against the undignified treatment of illegal immigrants, using his platform to call for humanity and dignity. He has critiqued gentrification in Puerto Rico—where outsiders buy up land, driving up costs and eroding local culture—and the broader erasure of Puerto Rican identity amid colonial dynamics and economic pressures. Songs like "El Apagón" blend celebration with protest against these issues.

Bad Bunny: From church choir boy to global superstar - Catholic Extension Society

Criticism from some white Americans in the MAGA movement often labels him anti-American, communist, or a threat to "traditional" values—pointing to his explicit lyrics, advocacy, or Spanish-language dominance. These claims lack foundation. Bad Bunny isn't anti-American; he has collaborated widely in U.S. music scenes and achieved massive success here. Nor is he communist—there's no evidence of affiliation with communist parties or ideologies. His concerns stem from social justice, rooted in Puerto Rican experiences of inequality and marginalization. Voting records or party affiliations aren't prominently documented as partisan extremes; his activism focuses on human rights, not rigid political labels.

His lyrics are often explicit, sexual, and vulgar—depicting realities of the ghetto, poor areas, street life, relationships, and desire. This isn't an endorsement of vulgarity but a reflection of raw truths, much like hip hop's origins. From its Bronx beginnings in the 1970s-80s, hip hop has been storytelling from the hood—keeping it real with language that mirrors lived experiences of poverty, struggle, violence, joy, and sensuality. Artists "keep it real" to authentically represent communities, not to glorify negativity but to expose and sometimes transcend it.

Instead of hating Bad Bunny or envying his success—which often underlies the criticism, more than genuine politics—we should approach him with compassion. Pray for him, that he continues to use his voice powerfully while living his Catholicism authentically—balancing faith, humility, and advocacy. He remains a vital voice for the marginalized, reminding us of shared humanity amid division.

Sources:

- Wikipedia: Bad Bunny (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Bunny)

- Biography.com: Bad Bunny profile

- Rolling Stone, Billboard, NPR, and other music outlets on his rise and advocacy

- Catholic Extension Society and Religion News Service on his faith background

- Various reports on Super Bowl viewership (Variety, ESPN, CBS News)

- Coverage from Dazed, Them.us, and LGBTQ Nation on advocacy

- General hip hop history contexts from Complex and other sources

Altar Girls: Do They Contradict Catholicism?

The history of female participation in liturgical roles within the Catholic Church, particularly as altar servers or in roles analogous to altar servers, spans several centuries with notable shifts in practice and theology.

Early Church: In the early Christian Church, women held various roles that could be seen as precursors to altar serving. The term "deaconess" appears in historical records, with figures like Phoebe mentioned in Romans 16:1-2 by Paul. These deaconesses were involved in roles not necessarily equivalent to modern altar servers but were certainly part of the liturgical life of the church.

They assisted with the baptism of women, cared for the poor and sick, and might have had roles in other liturgical functions when appropriate. However, these roles were distinct from the ordained diaconate and did not involve serving directly at the altar in the way ordained deacons serve. Their service was distinctly different from altar servers today. This is because rites were different and there were no church buildings. However, they did help in the Liturgy perhaps with the preparation of the altar and gifts. Medieval and Later Periods: As the Church structure evolved, the role of women at the altar became more restricted. By the Middle Ages, there was a general prohibition against women serving at the altar, influenced by cultural norms of the time and theological interpretations that emphasized the male-only priesthood. Popes like Innocent IV in the 13th century explicitly forbade women from serving at the altar during Mass, a position maintained by subsequent papal decrees. Modern Restorations: - 1983 Code of Canon Law: The revised Code of Canon Law in 1983 did not explicitly prohibit women from serving at the altar, leading to some parishes unofficially allowing female altar servers. However, this was not universally accepted or practiced. - 1994 - Formal Permission: The issue was clarified when in March 1994, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a circular letter stating that both men and women could serve at the altar, although it stressed that it was still appropriate to maintain the tradition of having boys serve. This came after years of debate and practice where some dioceses in countries like the U.S. had already been allowing girls to serve. - Vatican Clarifications: While the Vatican allowed bishops to decide on the inclusion of female altar servers, it was emphasized that this did not pave the way for women's ordination to the priesthood, a stance reaffirmed by Pope John Paul II and subsequent popes. - Recent Developments: In 2021, Pope Francis modified canon law to explicitly state that all baptized persons, male or female, could be admitted to the ministries of lector and acolyte on a stable basis, further formalizing the role of women in liturgical services. This change aimed to reflect a broader understanding of the baptized person's role in the Church's liturgical life. Controversies and Discussions: The introduction of female altar servers has been both praised and criticized: - Advocates argue that it promotes equality, helps in the faith formation of young girls, and reflects the universal call to holiness and service in the Church. They see it as an extension of the baptismal priesthood where all faithful participate in the liturgical life. - Opponents often argue from tradition, suggesting that altar serving should be a step towards priesthood for boys, potentially impacting vocations. Some also express concerns about liturgical roles being defined by gender, although this view is often contested by those who argue for inclusivity based on baptismal equality.

The role of altar girls in the early Church is a topic with limited direct historical evidence, as the formalization of liturgical roles evolved over centuries. However, there are some sources and scholarly interpretations that provide insights into the participation of women in early Christian liturgies:

1. Early Christian Artifacts: Research by scholars like Ally Kateusz suggests that women had significant liturgical roles in the early Church. Artifacts such as an ivory reliquary box from around A.D. 430 and a stone sarcophagus front from the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople depict women standing at the altar, performing liturgical acts.

2. Historical Texts: Some early Church documents and writings indicate that women participated in various ministries. For example, the Didascalia Apostolorum, a third-century Christian text, mentions women deacons who assisted in baptisms and other church functions both liturgical and non-liturgical.

3. Church Fathers: While many Church Fathers, such as Pope Gelasius I, condemned the practice of women serving at the altar, there were instances where women did participate in liturgical roles, especially in convents and monastic communities.

4. Pope Francis' Reforms: In recent years, Pope Francis has made significant changes to canon law, allowing women to be permanently installed as lectors and acolytes, roles that include serving at the altar. This change reflects a broader recognition of women's contributions to the Church's liturgical life.

While the historical evidence for altar girls in the early Church is not extensive, these sources suggest that women did have roles in early Christian liturgies, and their participation has evolved over time.

Conclusion: The presence of altar girls in the Catholic Church today is a result of evolving ecclesiastical law, pastoral practice, and theological reflection on the roles of laypeople in the liturgy. While their presence at the altar today is not identical in the same capacity in the early Church, the modern role of altar servers for girls reflects a broader Church initiative towards inclusivity in liturgical ministry, while maintaining the tradition of male-only ordination to the priesthood. The debate continues to evolve, reflecting the Church's ongoing discussion about the roles of women in its sacramental life.

Claims that the presence of Altar Girls interferes with vocations to the priesthood are unfounded and not substantiated with evidence or data. These are just conjectural claims based on personal bias and a lack of understanding of theology and the liturgy concerning pastoral care. However, it is important to note that the presence of Altar Girls must not be in an attempt to satisfy identity politics or promote a sense of "equality."

The liturgy cannot be transformed into a platform for so-called "women's rights" as the secular world sees them. Girls and women looking to serve must be called by God and the Church. This is a privilege, not a right. The same applies to boys and men. No one has a right to be a server, or even a deacon, priest, bishop, monk, brother, nun, or sister. These are vocations that God directs in people. Being an Altar Girl is a service to God and His people and must never become a statement of implicit promotion of women's ordination or give a sense of quasi-priesthood. There must never be an ulterior motive.

Pastors should never feel obliged to allow female servers to appease identity politics or fanatics of women's ordination. Similarly, girls and women should not be pushed aside when genuinely seeking to serve due to misogyny, false understanding of Church tradition or any other discriminatory attitude.

Sources:

: Wikipedia : National Catholic Reporter : America Magazine

^[18] John, Paul II. (1995-06-29). Letter of Pope John Paul II to Women: The Holy See, Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

• This is word-for-word of St. John Paul II speech that he gave on the 29th of June. It should be a reliable source. It covers equality of women, apologizes for how The Church treated women in the past, and how Jesus had treated women to the highest regard and that they are equal to men.

^[19]Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). (1997). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

• This book was published in 1997, the first edition was published in 1992, it is the summary of all of the beliefs of the Catholic faith that anyone can read. It should be a reliable source covering the beginnings of the Catholic Church and how the different laws changed.

1. ^ Meehan, Andrew. "Acolyte." The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. 14 June 2023  This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
2. ^ "Service Book of the Orthodox Church, The (Hapgood)". SVS Press & Bookstore. Retrieved 2020-01-26.
3. ^ Fortescue, Adrian; O'Connell, J. B.; Reid, Alcuin (2009-03-29). The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described. A&C Black. ISBN 978-0-86012-462-7.
4. ^ Alessandro Bausi, Languages and Cultures of Eastern Christianity: Ethiopian (Routledge 2017)
5. ^ Catholic Moral Theology, Fr. Jone OFMCap, Nr. 315.
6. ^ Mulieres autem servire ad altare non audeant, sed ab illius ministerio repellantur omnino
7. ^ Jump up to:^a b Benedict XIV (26 July 1755). "Allatae Sunt". Papalencyclicals.net.
8. ^ "Letter to Women (June 29, 1995) | John Paul II". www.vatican.va. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
9. ^ "Code of Canon Law - IntraText". www.vatican.va. Retrieved 2020-01-26.
10. ^ "Can. 230, § 2". www.delegumtextibus.va. Retrieved 2020-01-26.
11. ^ "Vatican Communication on Female Altar Servers". Congregation for Divine Worship. 15 March 1994. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
12. ^ Acta Apostolicae Sedis 86 (1994) pp. 541-542 (Official Latin; English translation)
13. ^ "USATODAY.com - Neb. diocese is lone U.S. holdout on allowing altar girls". USA Today.
14. ^ "Neb. diocese is lone U.S. holdout on allowing altar girls". USA Today. 22 March 2006. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
15. ^ Clancy, Michael. "Phoenix diocese cathedral won't allow girl altar servers". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on 2 November 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
16. ^ McGough, Michael (January 9, 2015). "Cardinal Burke: Serving at Mass is a 'manly' job". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2015-01-11.
17. ^ margeryeagan, "The Church has a problem with women? Really?" Archived 2016-10-02 at the Wayback Machine, Crux, January 8, 2015.
18. ^ "Letter to Women (June 29, 1995) | John Paul II". www.vatican.va. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
19. ^ "Catechism of the Catholic Church". www.usccb.org. Retrieved 2024-09-11.

The True History of Women Deacons | Charlotte Allen | First Things

Hero Altar Boy

In recent years, any mention of altar boys and priests has unfortunately, been associated with sexual abuse. However, the recent attack on Bishop Manuel A. Cruz will hopefully change that, see: http://www.sacerdotus.com/2017/01/bishop-attacked-during-mass-in-nj.html.

Bishop Manuel was interviewed by CBS News today. His lips looked a bit swollen with a shiny substance, possibly Vicks rubbing ointment, and he has stitches. He said he is in a lot of pain and believes that the man who attacked him, Charles Miller is mentally ill.

However, he also said something that touched my heart and I think will touch yours. The bishop recalled how the altar boy (pictured here) who was assisting him held him in his arms with such concern and was protecting him. The altar boy, probably thinking the worse (bishop dying), told the bishop, "Don't go father, I'm here" as he cradled the bishop.  The image is just touching.  I posted a screen capture of it below.

This young man truly has Jesus in him. I hope the Lord calls him to the priesthood. We need great souls like this kid. I wish I knew his name and contact to send him a Rosary or set up a gofundme to help him with his studies (college or seminary).  I felt compelled to highlight this hero on my blog as a thank you for being there for a bishop and to hopefully inspire other altar servers out there.

One of my first assignments in the Church was master of ceremonies for a bishop. I was his assistant and went with him everywhere also like a secret service agent.  So as you can imagine, the news of the attack on Bishop Cruz made me cringe.

If you are from the Newark Archdiocese or a friend/relative and know who this altar boy is, please contact me.  Please pray for this beautiful soul.

Source:


http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/01/30/newark-bishop-attacked-during-mass/

newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/01/30/newark-bishop-attacked-during-mass/