Florida Catholic | A Gathering Of Nations At St. Jude Parish

A gathering of nations at St. Jude Parish

Hispanic Lenten retreat attracts a diverse crowd.

JOE DIAZ | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 03.14.08

SARASOTA | More than 10 Latin countries were represented at the second annual St. Jude’s Hispanic Lenten retreat Feb. 23.

Organized by St. Jude parochial vicar Father Jose Del Olmo and parishioner Patty Vargas, the daylong retreat drew more than 55 people to St. Jude Church and Hispanic American Center.

During a break, Father Del Olmo asked for a show of hands when retreat participants heard their country of origin called. Cuba, the United States, Chile, El Salvador, Spain, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Nicaragua, Mexico, Argentina and more were called. Each show of hands quickly became a raucous cheer for the heritage being claimed.

Along with the camaraderie in the room was some deep spirituality and faith discussion.

Alfredo Vargas attended the retreat to try to build more consistency into his prayer life. He said that although he has been reading the word of God for some time, he felt as if life was moving too fast.

“What Father (Del Olmo) has talked about today, the opening of my heart to Jesus and the peace that should come into my everyday life — that is what I wanted to hear.” Vargas was eager about his prayer life after the retreat, and noted that “I have taken notes, I want to live a life of love. I love this retreat. I don’t know how long I will have this feeling, but it has me at peace.”

Mikki Delong, a Panamanian parishioner of St. Jude Parish, has been attending similar retreats for years in search of a more personal relationship with Jesus. She has seen this particular session not only grow in numbers, but in depth as well, over the inaugural event last year.

“There are more people this year; you can feel the spirituality. You can see the excitement in the number of people who came out to help Father (Del Olmo). … I just enjoy growing in my faith,” she said.

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A gathering of nations at St. Jude Parish

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