Region XI Journeys Towards the V Encuentro

This past September 1

st

, over 120 diocesan delegates and coordinators, representing 14 dioceses and various apostolic movements from Episcopal Region XI, participated in the training in preparation for the V Encuentro Nacional Hispano de Pastoral in the Diocese of San Jose.

The day began with Morning Prayer and an introduction to the V Encuentro by Msgr. Gerald Barnes, Bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino and representative of Region XI for the V Encuentro. Bishop Barnes insisted on the need to understand this process of preparation as a time of grace (kairos) which will allow the Hispanic community to be heard by the Church. "

Like other groups, in other moments, have had their periods of leadership in the Church in the US, it is now time for the Hispanic

community to have its moment

," said Bishop Barnes. This entails an attitude of openness and inclusion for all. "

Everyone,

" said Barnes, "

should feel at home: first generation Hispanics as well as fifth generation, youth and adolescents; those who speak English and those who still don’t, entrepreneurs, laborers, single parents, etc."

Over an 8 hour period, participants toured the historical memory, the vision, and the spirit that have made the ENCUENTROS possible. They also studied the theological foundations that illuminate the current process, along with Dr. Ospino’s theological reflection "Called and Sent to Encuentro". An opportunity was also given to reflect on St. Luke’s text on the walk to Emmaus and our own journey as a Hispanic church. Finally, guidelines on the next steps were established to continue this process within the dioceses of the region. The meeting ended with an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and with a clearer vision of the path already traveled and the journey ahead.

2015 © Region XI. All Rights Reserved. Photos by José López.