Diocesan Latino Community Holds Day Of Mercy
On Aug. 6, the Latino community in our diocese gathered at Saint Benedict Cathedral to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy as part of the diocesan activities for this year. The event was organized by Pedro Mendez, Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry, and the Hispanic leaders of the five parishes of our diocese with Latino communities.
The event began at 8:30 a.m. CDT and concluded at 12:15 p.m. CDT. It was attended by about 160 adults and some children. The event was in Spanish, including the celebration of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist.
The program began with an opening prayer and praise by Cisco Lloveras, and then it continued with a talk by Deacon Homero Rodriguez entitled ‘‘The Mercy of God through the Eyes of Jesus.’’
Deacon Homero commented on the importance of the Lord's mercy and the importance of believing in it. He began with a brief reflection that had a great impact on all those who attended. He asked, "What is the greatest sin that you have committed in your life? And what is the greatest sin that exists in the world? Ponder these questions and tell me if you think that God's mercy is greater than these sins. The mercy of God is greater than any sin, and if there is repentance there is God's forgiveness. Many times we think we do not deserve God’s love and forgiveness, that we are not worthy of his mercy. But God loves us and forgives us not because we are good or bad people; but because God is Good."
Deacon Homero caught the attention of the audience with anecdotes and stories giving examples that we all face every day and struggle with as humans. His words were appropriate to reflect on our actions and how to cope with the Lord's help, and above all how to accept his mercy.
After a short break we continued with the Sacrament of Reconciliation ministered in English (for bilingual Hispanic people) by Father Henry Kuykendall and Father Gordon Mann, and in Spanish by Bishop Charles C. Thompson, Father Eugene Heerdink, Father Carmelo Jimenez, Father Julio Barrera and Father Basil Az Cuc, the last three priests from the Diocese of Owensboro. It was a moment of reflection and reconciliation with God.
At the end of confessions the attendees passed through the Door of Mercy. The Rite was led by Deacon José Garrido. The event concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Bishop Thompson and concelebrated by the priests mentioned earlier. Deacon Homero Rodriguez preached the homily, and deacon Jose Garrido was the Deacon of the Altar.
