Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Hispanic and Latino Catholics from Kentucky and Tennessee gathered on June 22 at the Flaget Retreat Center, located at 1935 Lewiston Drive, for a day of training on the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic and Latino Ministry.

"The goal is to have an understanding of the national plan so they can start looking at what things apply to them and how they can take action," said Eva Gonzalez, director of the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Hispanic Ministry. The plan, approved by U.S. bishops in June 2023, is described as the "final fruit" of various Encuentro gatherings conducted at local, regional, and national levels over the last decade.

The event attracted Catholics from the Archdiocese of Louisville and dioceses including Lexington, Owensboro, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville. Participants engaged in presentations and small-group discussions on themes within the pastoral plan.

The pastoral plan aims for Hispanics and Latinos to connect beyond culture and language—a connection based on Jesus’ desire that “they all may be one,” according to Oga Villar, executive director of the Southeast Pastoral Institute based in Miami. The institute organized the event alongside the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Villar emphasized that such training helps Hispanics and Latinos realize that "the Catholic faith is not isolated in a single parish" but part of a larger reality. "It helps expand the vision and understanding that the Body of Christ is not dismantled but one that wants to be united in diversity," Villar stated.

Bishop John E. Stowe of Lexington attended the event, listening to presentations before celebrating Mass in Flaget chapel. Archbishop Fabre was traveling in Vietnam at the time.

During his homily delivered in Spanish, Bishop Stowe referred to Hispanic and Latino Catholics as a "renewing force" within the U.S. church. He referenced a Gospel reading from Matthew chapter six where Jesus advises his followers not to worry about daily necessities but to seek first God's Kingdom.

"We know that it’s always a battle placing the Kingdom of God first because there are many things vying for our attention," said Bishop Stowe. He highlighted Jesus' teaching not to worry about tomorrow as each day has its own troubles: "It’s not easy putting this into practice but it’s a requirement of faith."

Reflecting on idolatry mentioned in biblical stories starting from Old Testament times, Bishop Stowe remarked that modern idols are numerous: "There are many things competing for the place of God in our life." He contrasted God's unwavering love with humanity's inconsistent response: “We are always trying to correct our unfaithfulness.”

Bishop Stowe concluded by emphasizing community support: “That’s why we need each other... That’s why we need a guide, a pastoral plan to give priority to what should be our priority.”