In the candlelit stillness of Eucharistic Adoration, Mauro Mendez knelt beside his wife and children, quietly taking in the moment unfolding around them. The music had faded. The room had grown still. In that silence, after a long day filled with work and responsibilities, he found relief.

“I arrived feeling very tired,” Mauro said, “but while adoring the Lord, He renewed my strength and my faith as well.”

For Mauro, who moved from Guatemala to Cincinnati 17 years ago, the evening became more than a night out with his family – It became an encounter.

“I attended because I have a 16-year-old son, as well as two other children, and I wanted to get them involved in the Church,” Mauro shared. “My children enjoyed it so much that they want to attend the next gathering.”

That desire to return says something about what Encuentro has become for many within the Hispanic community: a place of prayer, healing, connection, and simply a togetherness in faith. Encuentro centers on Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, reflection, fellowship, and live music. It is one of many events offered by the Center for the New Evangelization (CNE) for Hispanic families and young adults to encounter Christ in a personal, meaningful way.

Fabián Rodríguez spent years focused on work and supporting his family before intentionally returning to his faith life more fully.

“I have truly felt the presence of God,” Fabián said. “It has helped me to renew my faith.”

For young adults like Alí Mendez, Encuentro offers something increasingly rare in today’s world: space to slow down.

“It is a wonderful experience,” Alí shared. “It helps a great deal with unburdening oneself and most importantly, with being able to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.”

Through support from the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA), Encuentro and other initiatives at the CNE create opportunities to bring individuals and families back into communion with Christ and the Church. This impact reaches far beyond a single evening.

Parents are now praying beside their children.
Young adults are returning to the Sacraments.
Families are finding community.
Hearts are renewed through an encounter with Christ.

Article by Lisa Fletcher