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V Encuentro Pilgrimage to the Vatican

On September 22-26, 2016, a delegation of 4 bishops, one priest, and 9 lay leaders traveled to the Vatican to present the pastoral work of the Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry being carried out by the leadership serving Hispanic/Latino Catholics throughout the United States. In addition, the delegation brought the V Encuentro cross to obtain a papal blessing and to process through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on the occasion of the Year of Mercy. The delegation included Bishop Nelson Perez, Chair of Hispanics Affairs at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Archbishop Gustavo Siller-Garcia, Bishop of San Antonio, Archbishop José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, and Bishop Arturo Cepeda, Auxiliary Bishop of  Detroit. Representative from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops inlcuded Mar Muños-Visiso, Executive Director of the Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church, Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, Asosociate Director of the Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs, and Carmen Aguinaco, Multicultural Specialists for the Committee on Divine Worship. Members of the National Team included Estela Villagrán-Manancero, Rev. Hector Madrigal, Pedro Rubalcava, Andres Arango, Dr. Hosffman Ospino, Marthamaria Morales, and Dr. Patricia Jiménez.

Day 1- September 22, 2016. 

The delegation arrived at Vatican City and checked into Domus Sanctae Marthae, the home of Pope Francis, where they had their first sighting of Pope Francis in the dining room. The pilgrimage began with an opening prayer followed by a meeting at the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and  the celebration of the Eucharist at the Choir Chapel inside St. Peter's Basilica.

There was much exciting and the delegation had much to share about their first day.

Day 2- September 23, 2016

The day began with a Mass celebration at the Clementine Chapel next to the tomb of St. Peter tomb.

The delegation had a another Pope sighting!

They then met with the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.

Followed by a meeting with Cardinal Peter Turkson from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

They enjoyed meeting Greg Burke, Director of the Vatican Press Office and Vatican spokesman, and Paloma Garcia Ovejero, Vice Director of the Vatican Press Office.

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                Pedro Rubalcava offered a reflection for the day.

Day 3 September 24, 2016

Day three provided a free day where members of the delegation traveled to Assisi or visited holy places in Rome.

Day 4- September 25, 2016

Members of the delegation attended the Papal Mass at St. Peter's square.

That evening Pope Francis blessed the V Encuentro Cross!

Day 5- September 26, 2016

The delegation celebrated Mass in the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe inside St. Peter's Basilica.

The delegation then gathered with Cardinal Marc Ouellet from the Congregation of Bishops.

Then they  crossed the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica. https://www.instagram.com/p/BK0OuJsh2mn/ This moment was key as this small group represented all of the Hispanic/Latino people in the United States.

Last they met with Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi from the Pontifical Council for Culture and Archbishop Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong Secretary for Seminaries.Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong Secretary for Seminaries.Last they met with Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi from the Pontifical Council for Culture and Archbishop Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong Secretary for Seminaries.Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong Secretary for Seminaries.Last they met with Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi from the Pontifical Council for Culture and Archbishop Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong Secretary for Seminaries.Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong Secretary for Seminaries.Last they met with Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi from the Pontifical Council for Culture and Archbishop Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong Secretary for Seminaries.Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong Secretary for Seminaries.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BK1ZuIAjh3D/ https://www.instagram.com/p/BK1bKzND4qj  

The pilgrimage ended with closing reflections from members of the delegation. 


Bishop Nelson Pérez reflected on the pilgrimage,

"The V Encuentro Pilgrimage to Rome was an absolutely wonderful, exciting, and motivating experince! Bishops, deacons, lay leaders engaged and committed to ministry in the Church joined together with one voice to present the good newsof the V Encuentro the leadership of the Catholic Church, who received us with great warmth and encouragement, each sharing their wisdom and pastoral insights. What a blessing and an opportunity to share the passion and joy of the American Church in serving our Hispanic/Latino community. Needless to say, our multiple encounters with Pope Francis were a special highlight and grace for all of us. His word to us continues to resonate within me . . . "Adelante" !!! There is is no doubt that Pope Francis and those who serve with him, know about the V Encuentro, support our journey, and support us with their prayers."                    
Read More about the delegation's visit to the Holy See. 
 
 
 

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