In a day of profound spiritual growth, more than 350 men delve into spiritual tools to find happiness amidst life's challenges
Editor's note: This story was first published in Detroit Catholic en Español, the Spanish-language sister publication of Detroit Catholic.
DETROIT — The 15th Hispanic Men's Conference in Detroit left a profound impact on participants, who gathered for a day of reflection and spiritual growth April 14 at Western International High School on the city's west side.
Themed "God Created You Happy," the annual event, hosted by the Archdiocese of Detroit's Hispanic ministry, brought together nearly 350 men of all ages for a day filled with activities aimed to strengthen faith and foster community bonds.
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From dawn until dusk, participants were greeted with warmth and hospitality, enjoying live music from Most Holy Redeemer Parish's music ministry.
With inspiring talks and devoted moments for prayer and adoration during a Holy hour, each activity provided an opportunity for reflection and a deeper encounter with Christ.
The sacrament of reconciliation and a first-class relic of San José Sánchez del Río, a Mexican martyr canonized in 2016, were also available throughout the event.
The conference addressed fundamental topics related to happiness from a Christian perspective, providing participants with practical tools to face the challenges of daily life.
Guest speakers included renowned Catholic psychiatrist Dr. Juan Francisco López Cambero and missionary Dexter Alejandro Reyes Villanueva, who shared wisdom and personal anecdotes that deeply connected with the audience. Both provided valuable perspectives on leading a fulfilling and joyful life despite challenges.
Dr. Cambero kicked off the conference by exploring various concepts surrounding faith and happiness. He began by highlighting God's love and unconditional care for humanity, while also respecting free will. He elaborated that happiness arises from a relationship with God, which is both personal and communal.
He distinguished between joy, as a sustained state, and happiness, as a transient emotion. He stressed to the men that suffering is inherent to life and that God can utilize it for a higher purpose, even though it might be challenging to comprehend at times. He concluded by underscoring the significance of supporting those who are suffering and placing trust in God's love and mercy.
Next, Gerardo Carrillo of the Right to Life of Michigan offered a concise reflection centered on three pillars: going against the flow, growing in virtue, and the journey of the Holy Family to Egypt.
Carrillo highlighted how modern life, filled with its comforts and distractions, frequently clashes with the Church's principles, such as opposing abortion. Carrillo emphasized the importance of education and sharing knowledge, even when it goes against societal norms. Moreover, he underscored the significance of cultivating virtues to contribute to God's earthly realm and act as role models for protection and family. Drawing from the Holy Family's journey to Egypt, Carrillo urged listeners to mirror St. Joseph's proactive and protective nature and seek solace in the sacraments amid modern challenges.
"When faced with an unexpected pregnancy, a woman who has the support of a man is less likely to contemplate ending her baby's life. This is why I encourage you to speak up without fear. Let's stand by others, knowing it'll bring us closer to heaven. Surrender your life to Jesus, and He'll lead the way. Perfect love drives out fear," Carrillo said.
Afterward, teenagers aged 13 to 20 congregated in the cafeteria for a session led by Dr. Cambero tailored specifically for them.
Meanwhile, Dexter Alejandro Reyes Villanueva explored the topic of happiness and sadness from a religious standpoint in his talk, "Why Can't I Be Happy?" He questioned why, despite God's desire for humanity's happiness, people often feel sadness or discouragement.
Reyes Villanueva kept the audience engaged by using the parable of the prodigal son from the Gospel of Luke to pinpoint factors that dampen joy.
He outlined various points, including the importance of discerning genuine situations and avoiding false judgments, resisting the urge to compare oneself to others, refraining from obsession with wealth, prioritizing human connections over material possessions, and avoiding feelings of isolation from family and community. Reyes Villanueva stressed the significance of recognizing and addressing these factors to rediscover lost joy.
"Even though we can't control how we look, we can control how we act," Reyes Villanueva said. "The face we present to others shows what's in our hearts. When we're happy inside, it shows, but when we're feeling bitter, that shows, too. You can choose to be happy and move forward, but you must let go of things that make you feel bad, like the older son, envy, comparison, and materialism. Those things take away your happiness, but God doesn't want that for you. So, we should accept what God gives us: Joy. Only God can give it."
After lunch and a series of engaging activities, Reyes Villanueva presented his second talk, "Maintaining Happiness: Insights from Mary." In this session, he delved into practical strategies for sustaining joy in one's life. He emphasized that nothing in life remains eternal by itself. Just like a house or a car needs maintenance, so does one's spiritual life need constant care.
Maintaining happiness, he argued, demands ongoing effort, steadfast commitment, and a willingness to continuously learn. Drawing inspiration from the example of Mary, whom he described as a timeless model of blessedness and contentment, he outlined four essential principles for nurturing a lasting sense of joy.
First, he emphasized the importance of spreading positivity and sharing good news, highlighting how pessimism can darken the spirits of those around us. Second, he underscored the significance of expressing gratitude and attributing all blessings to God, recognizing His providence in every aspect of life. Third, he advocated for sowing seeds of goodness and positivity for future harvests, warning against the destructive consequences of negativity. Finally, he encouraged fostering hope through a deep understanding of Scripture and unwavering trust in God's divine plan.
"We must sow hope in the lives of our children, of your wife. We must not sow threats, shouts, but hope, which springs from knowing the word of God," Reyes Villanueva said.
In an interview with Detroit Catholic en Español, Reyes Villanueva shared the testimony of a man who, at the end of the conference, approached him to greet and hug him. The man had experienced a significant transformation in his life thanks to his participation in events such as the Hispanic Men's Conference.
"Conferences are often misunderstood as platforms for disseminating knowledge," Reyes Villanueva said. "While solid catechesis has its place, these gatherings are about more than intellectual understanding. They're about encountering the living Word of God, allowing His truth to penetrate our hearts and illuminate our paths. It's not about acquiring knowledge; it's about living out the Gospel message in our daily lives."
He commended the flawless organization of the event and the efforts of the Archdiocese of Detroit to spread the faith in the Hispanic community.
"The atmosphere was really enjoyable. The organizing team did an excellent job preparing everything. Antonio Guzmán, the emcee, and the music were outstanding," he said. "It created a warm and welcoming environment, setting the stage for the speakers to deliver their message. I sensed a lot of openness among the participants, with many men eager to engage further with the archdiocese's initiatives."
Participants also had the opportunity to share experiences and make meaningful connections with other men in the community. This sense of brotherhood and mutual support reinforced the importance of community on the path to happiness and personal fulfillment, he said.
Following the talks, a Holy Hour took place, including a Eucharistic procession through the school's corridors.
Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda celebrated Mass, the highlight of the event, reaffirming participants' commitment to the Catholic faith and their desire for spiritual growth.
During his homily, the bishop referred to the passage from the Gospel of John (2: 4-6) to highlight the importance of living according to God's laws. "Whoever says, 'I know Him,' but does not do what He commands is a liar; it's as simple as that. The word of God challenges us to preach what we believe. His words give us life, they show us the will of God."
The bishop acknowledged that this is not an easy task. However, the first words of the risen Jesus to his disciples were, "Peace be with you." Being at peace is possible by following God's commandments and will.
Finally, he encouraged the men to reflect on how their wives and children see Jesus reflected in them.
The 15th Hispanic Men's Conference in Detroit was a day of inspiration, learning, and personal growth that will have lasting effects on the Hispanic community of Detroit, said Brenda Hascall, coordinator of Hispanic ministry for the Archdiocese of Detroit. The increasing presence of the Catholic faith in the region and the growing participation in religious and community activities testify to the positive impact of this annual gathering.
"It moves your heart to see so many faithful men gathered in one place," Hascall said.
As participants return to their homes and communities, they carry with them not only unforgettable memories but also a renewed sense of purpose and connection with Christ.
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