More than 350 catechists from Hispanic communities throughout the Archdiocese gathered April 6 at St. Stephen Parish in Framingham at a Year of Faith Congress for Catechesis and Evangelization. Centered on the theme "The Transformative Power of the Faith," the day began with prayer built around excerpts from the Apostolic Letter of Pope Benedict XVI "Porta Fidei."

Maria Pilar Latorre, the assistant director for Catechesis with Hispanics, working with a committee of catechetical leaders and pastoral ministers, organized the day-long event for catechists, catechetical leaders, and evangelizers.

In his keynote address, Hosffman Ospino, professor of theology and education at Boston College, spoke about the transformative power of the faith. Examining the present day cultural environment here and across the globe, he presented five points for the audience to consider in light of their baptism and their work as catechists and evangelizers.

He told listeners that, "Faith is a gift whereby God invites us to recognize His presence among us and to live as active disciples of Jesus Christ."

Participants were encouraged to reflect on their roles as men and women of faith within the context of the new evangelization.

Nearly a dozen workshops covered a broad range of topics including working with youth, sacramental preparation, Scripture, the teachings of Church Fathers, working with families, vocations and catechetical methods.

At the end of the day, participants came together for a final talk on "Mary, Transformed for the Faith" by Father Francisco Anzoategui, the pastor of St. Stephen's and the director of the Archdiocesan Office of the Hispanic Apostolate.