In attending the IV Congreso de Mujeres on Saturday in the Bronx, Alva Lopez said she was also there as a volunteer “to serve the Lord by helping the women in this gathering, in this congress — to give back to God for all he has given me.”

“This is very beautiful, the message that we are daughters of God,” Lopez, 49, told The Good Newsroom shortly before the lunch break. “And the theme is important, that we are the house of God, we are loved by God.” The married mother of two is a parishioner of St. Jerome Church in the Bronx.

The all-day Congreso de Mujeres (Women’s Congress) drew nearly 1,200 women on Saturday, March 14, at Cardinal Hayes High School, and about 900 on Sunday. It was held entirely in Spanish. The theme was: “Woman, House of God.”

The Example of Mary

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat served as principal celebrant of the Saturday opening Mass. In his homily, Bishop Espaillat spoke of the importance of the faith-guided identity of women in the Church, and about the wise choice of following the example of Mother Mary. He noted the significance of Blessed Mary’s obedience and humility, and of Mary Magdalene’s remorse and redemption.

“Daughters of God, thank you for being here. We are here to pray, not only for ourselves but for the entire world,” the bishop said later in the Mass, noting the intentions of Pope Leo for the victims of war, and for peace in the world. “We (as a Church) are trying to talk about the love of God. We ask that the Holy Spirit guide the pope during these difficult times.”

At the end of Mass, Bishop Espaillat told the women that Archbishop Ronald Hicks sent his greetings as well as his affectionate and tender support. He also told the women, “You play a super important role in the Church and in the world. You have strength, and you can defend the Church — it is your Church. You have a voice and you have the strength!”

The women applauded.

Songs of Praise

Vocalists and musicians in the event choir were members of various parishes of the Archdiocese of New York. The choir performed lively songs as well as soft hymns, all with inspirational lyrics. There were opportunities for confession, and for attendees to line up to have volunteers to pray for them.

The Saturday Mass concelebrants were Father Fredy Patiño and Father Antonio Almonte. Father Patiño served as principal celebrant of the Sunday closing Mass. Event volunteers included men who served as choir musicians and parking attendants.

One of the organizers, Niurka Suero-Tejeda, told The Good Newsroom, “This annual congress helps remind women of their importance, that they are daughters of God. When they come here for fellowship with other women, they leave here renewed.”

Suero-Tejeda is a member of the Isha-Bethel Ministry (Hebrew for: Woman, House of God), which sponsored the annual event with the Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Center. She said the retreat is designed for Hispanic women, young, middle-aged, and older, married or single.