Hispanic deacons urged to help immigrants adjust to life in U.S.

Published: 2004-07-02

SCRANTON, Pa. (CNS) -- A New York auxiliary bishop told Hispanic deacons gathered in the Scranton Diocese for their annual continuing education conference that they have a particular role to play in helping immigrants adjust to life in the United States. "They come to you (the deacon), and you have many opportunities to interact with them," said New York Auxiliary Bishop Josu Iriondo, who is director of Hispanic affairs and of the charismatic movement in the Archdiocese of New York. In addition to assisting priests, he explained, deacons can be a conduit between the teaching of the church and the faithful. "The Beatitudes, the Face of Jesus and the Deacon" was the theme of the June 24-27 conference, which drew 80 Hispanic deacons and their families from across the United States and from other countries. The deacons and their families came together to worship, pray and reflect on the Gospel of Christ. They also shared the successes and challenges of ministry to Hispanics.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .