Raíces y Alas 2003: The Power to Serve
Report Summary
Click here to view photos from the event.
The third national convocation of Hispanic Catholic leaders of the United States, RAÍCES Y ALAS 2003: The Power to Serve, took place on May 22-25, 2003. This was the first national gathering of Hispanic Catholics coming after the publication of the dramatic results of the 2000 U.S. Census. Over 300 leaders from thirty-one states convened at the beautiful South Bend campus of the University of Notre Dame. Representatives from Latin America were also present. RAICES Y ALAS 2003 was sponsored by the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry (NCCHM) and cosponsored by the USCCB Bishops’ Committee and Secretariat for Hispanic Affairs, the University of Notre Dame, the Institute for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame, the USCCB Secretariat for the Church in Latin America. Foundations such as the Lilly Endowment and SC Ministries including individual donors also participated as co-sponsors.
The conference highlighted the gifts that Hispanic Catholic cultures bring to the Church and to society of the Americas. Leaders from Church and the public square celebrate their rootedness in the U.S. experience, in their distinctive national cultures as well as in the mingling of races called mestizaje and mulatez. Representing more than one third of all U.S. Catholics and slated to become the majority of U.S. Catholics in the next 20 years, the conference identified opportunities and challenges for the Hispanic leadership in an increasingly diverse America. The conference assessed the current status and concerns as the largest and most youthful minority group in the United States. RAÍCES Y ALAS 2003 focused on Hispanic contributions to society, the leadership they exercise today and the urgent choices they have to make for the future.
The keynote was delivered by Archbishop Roberto O. González, O.F.M., Archbishop of San Juan, Puerto Rico
Three different panels made up of three experts pursued challenges and opportunities facing Hispanics in these areas: (1) Politics and Public Policy, (2) Labor and Business, and (3) the Media.
A slate of nine outstanding panelists presented stimulating input in each of three following sessions. The guest panelists addressing Public Policy and Politics—Clarissa Martinez, National Council of La Raza; Al Santana Hernandez, California Conference of Bishops; Dr. Timothy Matovina, Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism at the University of Notre Dame; Labor and Business- Arturo S. Rodriguez, United Farm Workers of America; Lionel Sosa, Sosa Bromley Aguilar & Associates; Dr. Lourdes Rovira, Assistant Superintendent, Miami-Dade County Public Schools; Media- Dr. David Hayes-Bautista, Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture, University of California, Los Angeles; Adán Medrano of JM Communications; and, J. Gerardo Lopez editor to the Los Angeles Times La Opinion section.
This process was enhanced by the participation of reporter/theologians, laymen and women, who represent the emerging pastoral and theological leadership of Hispanic Catholics. Hispanic youth played a special role at the convocation and had opportunities to meet and share their perspectives with other participants. Participants reflected on the issues presented by the panelists in small working groups. The reporters/theologians reviewed the brief written reflections of the small working groups and prepare a summary report and theological reflection for each of the three areas. The report included a theological reflection highlighting the distinctive, discerning vision of life in society provided by the Christian faith of U.S. Hispanics. The participants prayed and worship during the various liturgies and prayer sessions. The fiesta was enjoyed by many and served as a renewal of old friendships and creating new ones.
Sister Veronica Mendez synthesize the results of the convocation and suggest practical ways in which to respond to the opportunities and challenges highlighted during the convocation. Thanks to a grant of $25,000 from Our Sunday Visitor, educational multi-media packet will be create for follow-up use in parishes and organizations.
Raíces y Alas 2003 received high marks from those attending and experiencing this historical event. NCCHM thanks the many who shared their expertise and dedicated countless hours to ensure its success.
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