By Bertha Melendres, Director of Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Evansville
A true “Encounter of Hope” is what more than 300 Hispanic Catholics experienced on Dec. 6 at St. Benedict Cathedral. This year, our celebration combined three events into one, making it a particularly meaningful day for our community.
First, we celebrated the Jubilee Year, proclaimed by Pope Francis with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Following the invitation of Bishop Joseph Siegel, we held a celebration for the entire diocese. Bishop Siegel celebrated Mass in English in the morning and then in Spanish at 11 a. m. for the Hispanic community. While the program in Spanish was taking place, talks were simultaneously offered in English for the English-speaking community. The day concluded with a bilingual rosary and the Bishop’s blessing with the Blessed Sacrament.
We also honored Our Lady of Guadalupe, and this year we did so in a very special way: with the blessing of Bishop Siegel, the Diocesan Guadalupan Group was founded, and 80 new members joined. Each received their Guadalupan medal as a sign of their desire to draw closer to the heart of Jesus and to spread devotion to Mary under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Finally, the “Encounter of Hope” took the place of the traditional “Encounter of Faith,” our annual retreat for the whole family. Because of all this, we can say that it was a true celebration, and the event was as grand as it was beautiful.
Our presenter was Tony Meléndez, originally from Nicaragua and raised in the United States since he was one year old. It was a true honor to hear his moving testimony, shared with a humility that deeply touched the hearts of everyone present. Tony, who was born without arms, learned to drive, throw a Frisbee, and play the guitar with his feet. In September 1987, at the age of 25, he had the privilege of playing the guitar for Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles, who encouraged him to continue bringing hope to the world.
His brother José and Pat, the keyboard player, also shared how being a part of Tony’s life has helped them grow in their faith and keep hope alive even during difficult or devastating times. Tony expressed how painful the loss of his son had been just a few years ago. Between songs, with tears in his eyes and a voice choked with emotion, he led us to contemplate the moment when the Virgin Mary held the lifeless body of her beloved son Jesus in her arms, reminding us that she understands our pain and that she not only lovingly accompanies us during the most difficult moments of our lives, but that she also carries us in her maternal embrace.
We are deeply grateful to Tony for being a living testament to the fact that we can do all things through Christ, and that there are no obstacles that can prevent us from responding to God’s call. Thank you, Tony, for bringing your message of hope to this community that so desperately needs it.
Thank you also to Bishop Siegel for joining us in this celebration and for becoming an honorary member of the Guadalupan Group.
St. Mary of Guadalupe, pray for us!
Y que “Viva Cristo Rey”