Two days devoted to renewing families

By Peter G. Sánchez

On Oct. 25 the Hispanic Catholic community in the Diocese of Camden came together for a day of prayer and worship, asking God to renew their families in his love.

Some 400 people, coming from several parishes, gathered at Notre Dame Regional School in Landisville for the fifth annual Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference.

The day, with its theme of “Renewing Families,” was held in connection with the preparation for the next fall’s World Meeting of Families.

Father Rodolfo Londoño, spiritual director for the Renewal in the Archdiocese of Cali, Colombia, inspired worshippers with a keynote presentation on how to best love and serve their families.

Father Ariel Hernandez, pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Newfield, led Eucharistic adoration during the day and, in the afternoon, a concert was performed by Mario Alberto, a singer from México.

The next day, 120 leaders of the 10 parishes with charismatic prayer groups took part at a Leadership Formation Event, with Father Londoño speaking on the mission of the church, and on how individuals can develop their God-given gifts to better act as witnesses of faith to their families.

The two days coincided with National Hispanic Heritage Month, and coordinators said it provided good preparation for next fall’s World Meeting of Families.

Saturday’s event, for all Hispanics, was “beautiful to see so many families praying together and allowing God to heal and empower their lives,” while Sunday’s leadership sessions allowed parish ministers to learn “practical tools to use their gifts and talents to build parish communities filled with the love of God,” said Kathia Arango, diocesan coordinator for the Hispanic Charismatic Renewal.