Hispanic Catholics from throughout the state gathered Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock to celebrate their faith and culture at the 20th annual Encuentro Hispano (Hispanic Encounter).
The all-day festival celebrated 20 years since Encuentro Hispano was founded, with the theme of “Historia Del Ministerio Hispano” (History of Hispanic Ministry), highlighting past bishops and Hispanic ministers who led the diocesan office since 1990.
The first Encuentro, held at St. John Center in Little Rock, was organized by former Hispanic ministry director, Msgr. Scott Friend, to gather the small Hispanic community that was growing in Arkansas.
The event, attended by about 1,500 people this year, is hosted annually by the diocesan Hispanic Ministry Office. Events throughout the day included a morning health fair, speakers, art and talent showcases, information booths, food, religious goods and a roll call of what cultures and parishes were present at the event.
The largest cultural area represented was Mexico, as the crowd roared when the speaker called out “Mexicano.”
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor waved his hands when Oklahoma was called, which is where he grew up and also worked in Hispanic ministry as a priest.
Bishop Taylor led a procession of the faithful before celebrating Mass in Spanish. The Diocesan Hispanic Choir provided music and Aztec dancers accompanied the gifts to the altar.
During the procession, people marched with elaborate and colorful banners, representing their parishes, communities, saints and Hispanic groups.
Our Lady of Guadalupe was prominently featured throughout the day, and many wore T-shirts with her famous portrait.
Rosario Dulanto and Lilia Hernandez, both of Little Rock, said Encuentro Hispano was a way to celebrate with friends from around the state that they might not see throughout the year and to make new ones.
When Hernandez first attended Encuentro Hispano, she was living in Jonesboro and new to the community.
“When we started coming it was at the diocese at St. John’s (Center in Little Rock). Now it’s grown. I try to be here every year,” she said. “It is important and special because all the communities come together and celebrate as one.”
She came to the United States in 1994 and now works at St. Edward Church in Little Rock.
“This is one day of focus for all the communities,” Hernandez said. “This year we celebrated the 20th anniversary of Hispanic ministry in Little Rock and Arkansas. This is our community celebration of faith.”
