Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost greeted participants at the “Matrimonios de Esperanza (Marriages of Hope)” retreat presented by the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry. The two-day event took place Feb. 21-22 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe.
Hortensia Rodriguez, Hispanic Ministry director, said participation “was excellent,” with nearly 50 people in attendance.
In his welcoming remarks, Bishop Woost thanked retreat participants for their desire to grow in their marital vocation.
Father Michael Stalla, pastor of SS. Robert and William and St. John the Cross parishes in Euclid, offered a reflection on the importance of living the blessing of their vocation each day and the importance of their role in the Church and society.
Rodriguez said the two days offered an opportunity for participants to learn:
- How to strengthen communication through open, sincere, and respectful dialogue.
- How to acquire the tools that the Church offers to improve their married life.
- Renewing and revitalizing the commitment.
- Healing emotional wounds.
- Strengthening spiritual life.
- Spending quality time together.
The retreat concluded with the celebration of Mass by Father Mark Riley, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Cleveland. Father Riley also is spiritual director of this diocesan ministry.
Rodriguez presented a certificate of participation to the retreatants along with Father Riley, Martin Zelaya and Maria Celeste Delgado, coordinators of the marriage ministry.
The diocesan Marriages of Hope ministry offered the marriage retreat with the purpose of evangelizing and catechizing Hispanic couples in a comprehensive manner to help them acquire the necessary tools to enrich and fully live the sacrament of marriage for the benefit of themselves, their families, the Church and society.