Hispanic priests stress brotherhood, joy in serving others

Published: 2003-10-14

DENVER (CNS) -- Emphasizing brotherhood and the spirit of joy in serving others, the National Association of Hispanic Priests held its 14th annual convention in Denver, attended by more than 90 priests and seven bishops. Priests are called to prophesy in the United States, said Auxiliary Bishop Jaime Soto of Orange, Calif., at the opening Mass. "We all have come here to carry the sorrows and sadness of the people we serve," he continued. "The Lord Jesus has called us to help by serving -- to give ourselves in our days and to take advantage of the brotherhood that unites us to the prophets, apostles and with those brothers and sisters taken to the altars by the church throughout the years," said Bishop Soto. At the Oct. 5-9 convention, Colombian Bishop Jorge Jimenez Carvajal, former president of the Latin American bishops' council, said that a priest's social ministry must spring from a strong spiritual life. Priests must have the attitude of the "good Samaritan and work tirelessly to have an encounter with the living Christ," Bishop Jimenez said.

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