Florida Catholic | Was The Festival Of Faith A Success? People Say ‘Yes’

Was the Festival of Faith a success? People say ‘yes’

JENNIFER POWERS | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 05.22.08

VALETA ORLANDO | FC
There was standing room only at the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe during the opening Mass for the Festival of Faith.

ORLANDO | The Festival of Faith – an event marking the 40th anniversary of the Diocese of Orlando and crowning its “Year of Evangelization” – was a resounding success in the opinion of people who were there.

About 33,000 people flocked to the Orange County Convention Center May 8-10, to experience what many described as a Holy-Spirit-filled occasion. Large. colorful banners that hung from the ceiling to represent parishes, Catholic schools, religious orders and lay apostolates greeted participants, who were treated to inspiring speakers, beautiful music and fellowship among their brothers and sisters in Christ.

“It was the talk of the church on Sunday,” said Tony Bonilla of Orlando’s Good Shepherd Parish, who worked at and attended the festival with his wife, Mary. “I had no idea so many people were interested in the faith,” he said. “The experience was incredible; I have no words to express it.”

Mary Bonilla’s favorite part of the festival was hearing two of her favorite priests, Good Shepherd pastor Father Brian Sheridan and diocesan vocations director Father Miguel Gonzalez, sing together. “They were amazing,” she said. The Bonillas are active in Cursillo, an organization represented at the festival that evangelizes, builds community and strengthens faith.

“This is very impressive,” said Sister Immaculata Knox of the Sisters of Mercy, who quips that she, herself, founded the diocese. “The Spirit is filling us.” The sisters were part of a special exhibit that highlighted various religious vocations. Sister Knox and Sister Joseph Barden have been active at Ascension School in Melbourne for years.

“Many people from around the world have been educated by the Sisters of Mercy,” said Sister Barden, who continued, “We have had many people at our booth who told us they were too (educated by the Sisters of Mercy); it has been wonderful.”

“Pray for vocations,” the sisters added.

“It was inspiring,” said Father Roy Eco of St. Teresa in Titusville who heard confessions at the festival. “This is where God is,” he said, adding, “Through reconciliation we lead people to reconfirm their faith and bring them peace.”

“The Spirit is working in all of this,” said Deacon Vernon W. Hart of the Basilica of St. Paul in Daytona Beach. “We hope people get energized about their faith.”

Impressed by the multicultural opening Mass at the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando, Deacon Hart said, “To see so many people and cultures, especially at Mass, was breathtaking.”

On display at the festival were the “treasures” of the Basilica of St. Paul, including chalices and a cupola that once sat atop the 80-year-old minor basilica until the busy hurricane season of 2004 blew down the metal cross.

“I met a lot of people who are into their faith and sincerely serving the Lord with their hearts,” said Josie Labissiere. (Parish? City?) “When I left, it was like walking on a cloud.”

Originally from Haiti, Labissiere found inspiration at the festival. “Now I am enthusiastic. I want to be a part of a ministry and go on a mission.”

Labissiere was impressed by the interfaith service that included people of many religions joined in prayer for peace. She was also touched by the renewal of wedding vows, and said, “These were very unique and special events.”

Youths were well represented at the Festival of Faith. Catholic high school students from around the diocese attended a youth Mass and rally. Among the 800 students from Bishop Moore were freshmen Bill Allen and Nick Falbo.

“The Mass was impressive,” said Allen. “The music and band were really good and I liked seeing all the priests,” he said.

“I think it was a great thing to do this free of charge,” said Falbo, who liked being able to see his fellow students at a setting outside of school.

“This is pretty cool,” said Reed Bovich, about the colorful banners and displays at the festival’s exhibition hall. Reed, an Olympia High School student and parishioner of Holy Family, was earning service hours for confirmation May 9, helping with set up. “This is a good cause,” he said. “It feels really good, because I know I am helping out people.” He, along with other youth, put in many hours to set up and clean up at the Festival of Faith.

According to the Festival of Faith program, this is a “one-time, historic event.” But ask those who attended, and a recurring theme emerges. People who went to the Festival of Faith want more. “We should do this every year,” said Michelle Mitchell of St. Ann Parish in Haines City, “So that everyone can renew their faith and get encouraged.”

If the goal of the Festival of Faith was to inspire, create enthusiasm, and promote a more dynamic faith, it was certainly a success, many who were there attested.

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Was the Festival of Faith a success? People say ‘yes’

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