MOST REV. DAVID J. BONNAR
Bishop of Youngstown
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
”Growth in holiness is a journey in community, side by side with others”
-Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation “Gaudete et exultate”
In the midst of his work to heal, cast out demons, and preach the good news, Jesus sought the time and place to be alone with his Father to pray (Mark 1: 35). In the midst of the many works of our personal lives, families, and parish activities, it is good for us to gather as the Hispanic community in the Diocese of Youngstown to listen to one another, united with Christ in prayer to the Father and open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and to look with hope toward the future with new yearnings.
The first Diocesan Hispanic Summit in March 2023 was an important meeting where I, as bishop and shepherd of this part of the Lord’s flock, was able to learn from the situations of our communities. Some concrete plans were made for the good of the faithful.
I am happy to announce that the second Diocesan Hispanic Summit will be on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Saint Michael Parish in Canfield (300 North Broad Street, Canfield, Ohio 44406). We will begin with the celebration of Mass at 10:00 a.m. Afterwards there will be a time of dialogue during which I hope to share the most important achievements of this past year in Hispanic Ministry in our Diocese. As Christ’s family, lunch will allow us to continue strengthening our bonds of friendship and fraternity. Our gathering will conclude with a conversation about the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. We will discuss the implementation, in concrete ways of some of its most relevant priorities for our local community.
I sincerely ask you to make an effort to participate in the second Diocesan Hispanic Summit. The Church relies on the generous reception of God’s grace in the lives of her members united in communion. Let us ask for his grace, ”That All May Be One.”
Sincerely,
Most Reverend David J. Bonnar
Bishop of Youngstown
To RSVP for the Hispanic Ministry Summit click here.
