Leaders of Episcopal Region II, composed of all eight dioceses in the State of New York, are journeying towards the V National Encuentro. The region convened its diocesan training for the formation of leaders at the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, New York from March 29 through March 31, 2016. The objective of this training was to prepare leaders in New York State to plan and organize parochial Encuentros in each diocese. Every diocesan leader who participated in the training was eager to begin working on this important initiative of the Church in the United States!

The dioceses of Albany, Buffalo, Brooklyn, New York, Rochester, and Rockville Centre were accompanied by Bishop Octavio Cisneros, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Vicar for the Spanish Apostolate. During his presentation, Bishop Cisneros shared “La Memoria Histórica” or the history of the four previous Encuentros that helped leaders understand the roots of Hispanic Ministry and where we are heading. For many of the leaders who took part in this training, the presentation given by Bishop Cisneros was invaluable, given Bishop Cisneros lived experience in the Encuentros since their inception.

The training of Diocesan leadership was led by a pioneer of the previous Encuentros, Rudy Vargas who served as Episcopal Consultant and Wanda F. Vásquez, the Episcopal Chairperson for Region II. Together they worked with Bishop Nelson Perez, the Lead Bishop for Region II in organizing the training sessions. Members of Region II’s Leadership Team also organized and prepared the presentations during the training. Father Brian McWeeney who serves as a development consultant said, “The growth that we saw in these priests, deacons, religious and laity as they prepare the Church in the State of New York for this joyful Encuentro with Christ as faithful disciples is extremely impressive.” The participants left inspired and with a great desire to journey together with their parish communities in order to make this great work possible with the Risen Lord. 2016 © Christian Cisneros/ENAVE. All Rights Reserved.