Annual Lenten Charismatic Encounter attracts thousands of Spanish-speaking Catholics

Friday, Mar. 31, 2017

DRAPER — “Making the faith stronger in the Hispanic families that are facing the immigration situation so they can rediscover that Jesus is walking with them through the desert of life” was one of the intentions of the fourth Family Charismatic Lenten Encounter presented by the diocesan Charismatic Renovation. 

Thousands of Catholics from all over the Diocese of Salt Lake City flooded the Juan Diego Catholic High School auditorium in Draper to listen to presentations by three members of the clergy: Fr. John Mario Montoya from Colombia; Fr. Omar Ontiveros, pastor of Saint Joseph Catholic Parish in Ogden; and Deacon Santiago Guerrero, from the Diocese of Las Vegas.

The two-day Encounter, which was designed for all family members and included a simultaneous event for children, took place from March 25 to March 26.

The theme, “Walking to Jesus through the Desert,” was chosen “so the families can have an encounter with Christ as they arrive rejuvenated to Easter,” said Fr. Jose Barrera Hernandez, administrator of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Midvale and spiritual director of the diocesan Charismatic group.

“These encounters are necessary and very important because we have to always be attentive to the invitations that our Church makes, particularly in this Lenten season,” said Deacon Guerrero, who had two presentations: “Pope’s Message for Lent 2017: The Word is a Gift. People are Gifts;” and “The Encounter with Jesus is Permanent: Perseverating in the Pastoral Life.”

“Crises are always opportunities for your life,” said Fr. Ontiveros as he opened his talk “Families that Pray Together: Live a Better Lent.”

Members of the audience reflected, prayed and cried as Fr. Ontiveros talked about how it is in the family where people learn their values, “and we need to always reflect on the family. No matter how many problems, how many challenges, how many crises, they are all opportunities – opportunities to get better, to get closer to God,” he said.

Fr. Montoya presented themes as well as celebrated the Holy Hour and the closing Mass.

“He [Fr. Montoya] has a lot of spirituality,” said Silvia Silva, a Saint Joseph parishioner who with her husband, Roberto, was impressed after hearing the priest. “He filled us. I mean we feel that we are full of spirituality, and with knowing that Jesus is all, without Him we are nothing,” she said.

In between presentations, all those attending the event sang hymns in Spanish and danced to the lyrics.

One of the most anticipated moments for those who attended the Encounter was the Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Oscar A. Solis, who was installed at the 10th Bishop of Salt Lake City March 7.

“I haven’t been able to meet him in person yet,” said Josefina Diaz, a Saint Bridget parishioner who was excited about being able to attend the Mass.

Bishop Solis was received with lots of joy and friendly waves as he walked into the Skaggs Catholic Center. Fr. Barrera offered him a sincere and heartfelt welcome from the Hispanic community and the Charismatic Renovation.

“I want to recognize all of you; as a foreigner in this Utah paradise, in this diocese, I am very happy to be here,” said the bishop, whose humbleness and sense of humor made people smile.

“As Charismatic servants, being here is very important,” said Leticia Alcantara, a St. Therese of the Child Jesus parishioner. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to serve God through these retreats.”