6th Hispanic Encuentro features Texas deacon By Elsa Baughman
JACKSON — Deacon Jesse Guajardo of the Diocese of St. Angelo in Midland, Texas, says some friends tell him he is “a spiritual parakeet” because he speaks all the time about God and his merciful forgiveness.
Deacon Guajardo will be the guest speaker at the sixth Hispanic Encuentro hosted by St. Richard Parish on Saturday, Oct. 13.
An encuentro is an annual gathering of Hispanic Catholics in the Diocese of Jackson sponsored by the Office of Hispanic Ministry.
The themes will be “A Personal Encounter with Christ,” healing/reconciliation and the call to serve, based on examples in the Scriptures.
Father Benjamín Martínez, associate pastor of St. Richard Parish, will direct the conference for youth on the same themes.
Recently at a retreat in Jackson, Deacon Guajardo said his personal encounter with Christ began about 30 years ago when he attended a Cursillo weekend and experienced reconciliation, God’s forgiveness and love. He said for many years he had lived a life of lies, sins, and felt he was on the opposite side of a Christian life.
“I was a liar that pretended I was something I was not,” he told participants. “I wore $500 suits but there was nothing to eat at my house. I was a hippie, I had long hair, and I had been in jail.”
Between jokes, tears, family stories, and personal references, Deacon Guajardo presented the message of his own experience and of how God changed him and can change those who reconcile with Jesus.
Deacon Guajardo said in his 30 years as a deacon he has realized the Hispanic community has a profound faith but noted many people haven’t had a personal encounter with Christ. “We have seen the church, we have seen God’s work, but we really need something more personal, a closer relationship with Christ,” he said, adding we all need that for our spiritual growth.
About the theme of healing and reconciliation Deacon Guajardo said through them we find peace. “It is important that we live in peace, with a happy spirit,” he said.
“We say we are Christians,” he said. “I am Catholic, I go to church, I receive the sacraments. But we stop at that.” “No,” he said, faith must be practiced. We have to do something to show and put in practice the gifts God has given us. He said we are all called to serve the church and there are many ways to do it.
At the encuentro, participants will be asked to give their testimonies on their personal encounter with Christ.
Cost is $10 and includes lunch. For information call Brother Ted Dausch, 601-949-6931.
