Originally published at Southern Cross
CALEXICO –– Almost 325 people encountered Jesus on the streets of Calexico on a recent Saturday.
The Imperial Valley Catholic Conference on Nov. 16 concluded with participants walking about one-third of a mile in a Eucharistic procession from Our Lady of Guadalupe Academy to the parish hall, where there was Eucharistic exposition and benediction.
Father Agustino Torres, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, carried a monstrance with the consecrated host. He was preceded by an honor guard of Knights of Columbus and followed by the youth and adults who had attended the daylong conference, which included Mass, a keynote presentation, breakout sessions, lunch, entertainment, and exhibitor booths.
This year’s theme was “Encounter: The Greatest Love Story.”
Maria Olivia “Marioly” Galván, diocesan chancellor and director of pastoral ministries, noted that youth, who had their own conference track, outnumbered adult participants.
She said, “It was a sight to see our young Church praying and praising in such a public setting” — a reference to the Eucharistic procession, which she said was a historic first in Calexico.
The conference, a biennial diocesan event, began with a Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
“I think more than ever, we need to
