HAMMONTON – In an atmosphere of faith, joy and pastoral commitment, nearly 150 Hispanic Catholic leaders from dioceses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania gathered May 24 to participate in the Region III Hispanic Leaders Meeting.
The day was held under the theme “Bearers of Hope,” in the context of the Jubilee Year of Hope. It aimed to strengthen unity and renew the call to service in Hispanic communities, especially immigrants.
Organized as part of the ongoing implementation of the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, the day featured presentations, moments of prayer and collaborative working sessions that addressed the challenges and opportunities facing the Hispanic community within the Catholic Church.
Bishop Joseph Williams celebrated Mass during the event, which took place at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Parish. During his homily, Bishop Williams encouraged those present to be “bridges of unity and hope in their communities,” highlighting the importance of Hispanic pastoral leadership in the spiritual and social growth of the Church.
“What a sign of hope we have when we see Latino leaders in this Jubilee Year of Hope gathered together to promote unity,” the Bishop said.
Region III comprises the dioceses of New Jersey – Camden, Trenton, Metuchen, Paterson and the Archdiocese of Newark – as well as certain areas of Pennsylvania – the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and the Dioceses of Allentown, Altoona-Johnstown, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Scranton. Region III has seen steady growth in its Hispanic population, prompting greater investment in pastoral leadership and attention to the cultural and spiritual realities of this community, event organizers said.
“Jesus calls us, loves us, values us, and accompanies us,” said Ana C. Hidalgo, the bishop’s delegate for Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Allentown, Pa.
Hidalgo reminded the faithful that God’s message is clear: No one is alone. Everyone has unique value in His eyes. “For God, what matters is that we are united,” she added, emphasizing the importance of communion and solidarity among believers.
Andrés Arango, the bishop’s delegate for Hispanic Ministry and director of Evangelization for the Diocese of Camden, explained that the event provided an opportunity to learn about the pastoral realities of each diocese in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where experiences were shared that will enable all to better serve the growing Hispanic community.
“Unity is a great motivation between the two states,” Arango said, adding that in a context of cultural and spiritual diversity, the leaders saw this collaboration as a concrete opportunity to grow as one Church.
He also stressed the importance of bringing everything learned at the gathering back to local parishes. “We hope that the information shared will be multiplied by missionary disciples who actively support their communities,” he said.
One of the most moving moments was the testimony of Yimi Ariel, a young participant from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, who shared what the Jubilee of Hope means to him. “It is a new opportunity to forgive and be forgiven, a time to repair and meditate, to be at peace with myself and with God.”
He also added his deep desire: “To be a seed of hope for many young people like me.”
Of the event, Sanddy German, of Saint Joachim Parish, Bellmawr, said, “It is an experience that impels us to go out, share our faith, and renew our commitment to the mission of evangelization.”
He also emphasized the sense of community among the participants. “We are like a family. These kinds of gatherings not only strengthen our bonds, but also our love for God and our conviction to bring His message to others.”
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