Encuentro Juvenil 2010

There was no regular Friday session for the Amigos de Jesus youth group on September 3. Instead, sixteen members of the youth group, along with Br. Joseph and Alejandra, took part in the Encuentro Juvenil. The annual youth conference is an opportunity for Hispanic teenagers and young adults to celebrate and deepen their Catholic faith.

The event, which was held on the beautiful grounds of Regis University, began at 6:30 pm on Friday evening and went well into the night. The evening session consisted of live praise and worship, icebreakers, and talks by various presenters. The conference opened early on Saturday morning so that the youth had to be at Annunciation by 6:50 am. Some of them looked tired, but their resolve and commitment were admirable!

Friday's session was more active. The morning began with more songs and icebreakers, then it was time for one of the great highlights of the Encuentro, holy Mass. The youth were honored to have Bishop James Connely preside as the main celebrant for the bilingual celebration, which was held in the newly constructed chapel at Regis University. During his homily, the Bishop spoke of the Hispanic youth present as the heartbeat of their communities. He reminded them that by virtue of their Baptism they are already children of God, called to a holy way of life. Indeed, he said, that each and every one of them was called to be a saint. Continuing with this theme, he recalled several occasions in which he met Blessed Mother Teresa. He quoted her words to him verbatim: “God does not call the sanctified who are free from sin. Rather, he calls the sinners and sanctifies them.” In other words, we are all sinners. We all struggle with temptation. We are all weak and wounded. Yet God is calling us, sinners to convert and be his witnesses before the world. The bishop concluded his homily by calling upon the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was through her intercession that we would come close to Jesus. She always prays for us and cares for us as a mother.

Following the Mass, the youth broke into outdoor activity session where they worked on various team-building exercises. This was followed by a small group discussion session on the quad lawn in front of the cafeteria. Lunch was fettucini alfredo and brownies (except for Br. Joseph, Francisco, and Perla who ate at Carl Jr.'s mmmmm). Additional conferences, activities and music continued to be interwoven throughout the day. All of this led up to the high-point of the evening.

At 9:00 pm the lights went out in the gym at Regis University. Soft, meditative guitar began to strum in the darkness. Five hundred youth were on their knees before the raised dais, awaiting the guest of honor. Then he came. A candle-bearer led the procession, followed by an aging priest, and a deacon carrying a massive gold monstrance. Inside, was the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

The session seemed to last about an hour, though it was very difficult to keep track of the time. The power of the Holy Spirit in the room was palpable. I heard youth breaking down in tears all around me. I heard sighs and the deep groaning of hearts. Jesus Christ was, indeed, truly present.

The Encounter ended after Eucharistic Adoration. The youth group met in their own private circle outside beneath the stars to discuss the powerful experience many shared during adoration. It was clear that Jesus was working in their hearts in a very profound way, as only he can. By their testimonies, the experience was a very positive and powerful one for the youth involved. Below is a slide show presentation of images along with a few anonymous snippets of their appraisal. God's peace!

Br. Joseph

"i loved the encuentro juvenil it waz so wonder full!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i am so glad i went! even thow i didnt go2 sum partyz it waz totaly wort goin!!!!!!!!!!!" - anonymous

"Went to El Encuentro Juvenil and it was such a great and amazing experience!!! It really makes me want to spread so much love to each and every person!!!!" - anonymous