V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry | 67 These qualities of fidelity, closeness, mercy, and tenderness seem to come naturally to Latinos. And for that, the message during this morning prayer is to thank this community for enriching the life of the Church of the United States. A new birth is happening because of the Latino community in our midst, and like any birth, it comes with pain and sacrifice. Soon, the Catholic Church will look back and rejoice at the contribution that this community is making to our faith. “In my experience as a priest and bishop, I have come to appreciate that these qualities of fidelity, closeness, mercy, and tenderness seem to come naturally to Latinos…Thanks for enriching the life of the Church in the United States with your beautiful Latino culture!” “There is a new birth happening in the Church of our country these days. It is a new birth that comes with the impact of the Latino experience.” Keynote: Let the Word Take Flesh – Most Rev. Oscar Cantú, Bishop of Las Cruces Reflecting upon his different assignments, Bishop Cantú remembered his experience in the desert of New Mexico. In the dryness of the desert, plants tumbled and tumbled since they did not have deep roots to hold them in place. From this image, he posed the question: “Are we becoming spiritual tumbleweeds?” The danger of not having sufficiently deep roots during the dry season presents the danger of becoming tumbleweeds. Bishop Cantú foresaw that the “dry season” is already here, and the time to dig deep in search of water is upon us. In order to share the fruits of the Church—of love, peace, and joy—we must take care of our roots with the water of love, faith, and hope. “To dig deep so that our roots may find water, that our roots may find living water. Let us not become spiritual tumbleweeds.” “Brothers and sisters, if we want to bear fruit as a Church, we have to mind the roots. From roots to fruits!” Saturday Mid-Day Mass Homily – Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Boston Cardinal O’Malley shared his enthusiasm for having been part of all five Encuentros. He sees each Encuentro as an opportunity to be blessed with God’s joy, light, and hope. These special blessings of the Encuentros connect us to reaffirm the “yes” we have professed to Jesus and to our Church. Mary is our model and example of saying “yes” to God, from the moment of the Annunciation to the moment of standing next to Jesus on the cross. Our “yes” also connects us with our mission. We are called to be brothers and sisters, to spread the Word, and to love one another as Jesus loved us at Calvary. Bearing Fruit