V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

34 | Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry “When Christ reigns in your hearts and you take it upon yourselves to expand his Kingdom in the world, we become more accountable.” “Let us work to make the love of God present in the world. The Church needs us today! We are the present and the future of the Church.” Historical Memory of the Encuentros – Sr. Ana María Pineda, R.S.M. Sr. Ana María Pineda presented the historical memory of a particular people in their relation- ship with God. The Encuentro s that have taken place in the United States over the past four decades have testified to the covenant of Hispanic Catholics. Men and women who made the Encuentro s possible were honored as Pineda recounted individuals, groups, themes, as well as the advances and challenges during each National Encuentro . The first national gathering in 1972 was held in Washington D.C. and focused on the spe- cific needs of Hispanic Catholics. Then, in 1977, with more than 1,200 attendees, the second Encuentro reflected on Evangelization, Ministry, Human Rights, Integral Education, Political Responsibility, and Unity in Pluralism. A watershed moment came in 1985, as “Prophetic Voices” promoted the dignity of every human being with a special emphasis on Hispanic young people. In 2000, the fourth Encuentro gathered the many stories of faith about the desire to be a vital part of the Church. This Encuentro was blessed by the multiplicity of voices that were heard— unique stories that enrich the Church. For the V Encuentro , Pineda reflected on memory in four dimensions: histórica, subversiva, profética, and mística. Through our historical memory, we recognize our situation within a greater narrative—a memory that allows us to look to the past, incarnates us in the present and, from there, dreams for the future. Subversive memory never allows us to forget our identity: who we are and where we came from as experienced by our communities. Prophetic memory is related to our baptismal promises where evil is rejected so that good can be proclaimed. Finally, the mística of communal memory allows us to discover a deep sense of the presence of God in our midst. “We are the elders and the offspring of a sacred history woven with the many threads of the past and the present and looking toward the future.” “God remembers… the promise made to Abraham… the promise made to us… and we as a people remember who we are as a people who enjoy God’s fidelity, promise, and love.” Taking the First Step