Hispanic Congress draws record crowd

The annual Hispanic Congress – held July 23-24 at Roncalli Catholic High School in Omaha – drew its largest crowd ever.

At least 1,500 were in attendance, said Deacon Gregorio Elizalde, manager of the archdiocese’s Hispanic Ministry Office, which organized the event.

The congress convened Hispanic Catholics locally and from hundreds of miles away to celebrate, share and live out their faith, united as one.

The congress featured songs and worship, food and entertainment, internationally known Catholic speakers, Mass and a holy hour with Archbishop George J. Lucas.

Dominican Father Patrick Hyde provided a Eucharistic Revival talk, part of a three-year U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ endeavor to help people encounter Jesus in the Eucharist.

The sacrament of Reconciliation also was available.

Programs and worship were tailored for both youths and adults.

Scroll down to view a gallery of photos from the congress.

PHOTOS BY SUSAN SZALEWSKI/STAFF

Father Pedro Núñez, author and speaker featured on Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN)

Conventual Franciscan Friar Masseo Gonzalez

Evangelist and singer Guillermo Valencia