V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry | 155 Rejoicing SUMMARY OF HOMILIES, KEYNOTES, AND CLOSING REMARKS Sunday Morning Prayer Homily – Most Rev. William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore In his morning reflection and with the energy infused from chanting the Psalms together, Archbishop Lori asked what has brought us together as Hispanics to the Encuentro. He reaf- firmed that it was our thirst for God, and our need to be together in adoration to praise, thank, and love Him. The U.S. Hispanic Church comes together to offer thanksgiving and praise to God. During the morning prayer, we celebrate God’s creation, but we also celebrate a re-creation of the Church through the presence and actions of Hispanics in the U.S. Catholic Church. This presence is a great reason for celebrating and coming together with God in our midst. Archbishop Lori reminded us that even during dark moments, scandals, and shame, the Hispanic Church in the United States is helping to bring us “to a rebirth of goodness and holiness and integrity.” We are called to be missionaries, to show initiative, to be engaged, and to serve those who are in need to improve their lives and to know God. “This morning we are going to celebrate also the re-creation of the Church in the United States because of the growing presence of Hispanics.” “We are being re-created by the young people, in the fast-growing Hispanic presence...through the devotion of the Hispanic people – your warmth, your love of family, and all the gifts that God has given you.” Keynote: Celebrating Every Step of the Way – Dr. Guzmán Carriquiry Lecour, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America After showing his enthusiasm, joy, and hope for the Encuentro, and recognizing the import- ant presence of Hispanics in the U.S. Catholic Church, Dr. Carriquiry Lecour left us with five important issues to take into consideration after the event. First, we need to continue having an encounter with Jesus in our daily life activities, but also in the presence of the Eucharist. Second, he encouraged us to remember all our brothers and sisters who are away from the Church and who need to be heard and welcomed back in our communities of faith. Third, we cannot ignore the national debate on immigration in this country, and the suffering and discrimination that immigrants encounter in their lives. We need to become their voices before the public institutions of this country. Fourth, we live in a rich and diverse society, where we must not allow the many forms of inculturation of the faith to remain compartmentalized—we need to learn from each other to live our faith. Finally, we have to recognize and make evident that “We are Americans,” part of an American continent, and we need to serve as a bridge between the U.S. and the rest of Latin America, under the protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe.