On June 6, Latino young adult leaders representing dioceses from across New Jersey and Pennsylvania gathered at the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann in Philadelphia for the Region III Latino Young Adult Encounter.
The event brought together diocesan delegates for a day of prayer, dialogue, discernment and fraternity centered on the theme: “Nuestra Voz, Nuestra Fe, Nuestra Iglesia” (Our Voice, Our Faith, Our Church). The Diocese of Camden was represented by a delegation of Latino young adults, who joined their peers from across the region to reflect on their experiences of faith, share their hopes and challenges, and discern together how the Holy Spirit is calling them to become missionary disciples and evangelizers in today’s Church.
The encounter served as a unique opportunity for these young people to recognize that they are an essential part of the Church’s present and future. Coming from diverse cultural backgrounds and ministerial experiences, they shared a common desire: to deepen their relationship with Christ and strengthen their commitment to serving and evangelizing other young adults within their communities.
The day began with fellowship, followed by a welcome and opening prayer that entrusted the gathering to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Throughout the day, participants engaged in three sessions designed to encourage reflection, honest dialogue and pastoral discernment.
During Session 1: “Nuestra Voz” delegates reflected on the realities facing Latino young adults today. In small groups, they spoke openly about their hopes, challenges, fears and dreams. The conversations revealed a generation deeply committed to their faith and eager to have a meaningful voice within the life of the Church.
Session 2: “Nuestra Fe” invited participants to explore how faith sustains them amid the complexities of modern life. They discussed the obstacles Latino young adults encounter in living and sharing their faith, and identified the importance of authentic accompaniment, community and opportunities for leadership formation.
The final session, “Nuestra Iglesia,” challenged delegates to imagine how the Church can better accompany and evangelize Latino young adults. Participants proposed creative initiatives, new ministries, and practical ways to foster greater participation, leadership development and missionary outreach among their peers.
One of the most significant fruits of the encounter was the experience of communion and mutual support among the delegates. Young adult leaders discovered that, although they serve in different dioceses, they share many of the same pastoral realities and aspirations. New friendships were formed, ideas were exchanged, and a regional network of collaboration began to take shape.
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist served as the spiritual culmination of the day, reminding everyone that Jesus Christ is the source and center of all ministry. Strengthened by Word and Sacrament, participants were sent forth with renewed enthusiasm to continue their mission as disciples and evangelizers in their parishes, campuses and communities.
As the Church continues to walk the path of synodality, this gathering offered a powerful reminder that Latino young adults are not merely recipients of ministry – they are protagonists of evangelization. Their voices enrich the Church, their faith strengthens our communities and their leadership is essential for proclaiming the Gospel to future generations.
Filled with hope and guided by the Holy Spirit, these young leaders returned home inspired to continue building a Church that listens, accompanies and goes forth on mission with joy.
Andrés Arango is Bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic Ministry and Secretary of the Secretariat for Discipleship and Evangelization, Latino and Multicultural.
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