My FCH Pre-Conference Experience
This year’s conference was such a wonderful conference. I believe all speakers truly complimented each other. Starting with Dr. Gloria Rodriguez who spoke of the history and struggle she faced in working with Latino’s in the 70’s to the present. The struggle reminded me of why we must be so grateful to those who have come before us. Many of us may not know why or how much the leaders before us have struggled. Many times we say over and over to ourselves but we have already heard this already and it may be true but we must remember that we must continue to hear it and to teach the others that come after us not to take for granted those who came before us and what they have done. In hearing Dr. Rodriguez it reminded me why we must be so grateful to all of them who have fought the fight before us. Her stories of wanting to educate women and mothers to give them dignity and a way of life, was awesome. I thought to myself thank you Gloria that is why we now as Latino women have the opportunity so easily to just want to and enter any university of our choice because you have opened the eyes of so many. I’m not saying it was just her that allowed this to happen because we must remember others who have fought for women such as Dorothy Day and Emma Tenayuca and many others. It humbled me to know who have come such a long way and yet have a much longer way to go.
In attending these conference of Federation of Catechesis we learn where we have come from and where we are going. It takes us into critical thinking to evaluate where we are at and where has our Archdiocese/Diocese come from. It is a shame that so many other leaders are not coming but yet it brings a smile to my face knowing that those are present will spread the word. So my challenge to each one of you that is reading this is to bring another person this coming year. Spread the word in your Archdiocese/Diocese and let’s get organization to grow. That is what Dr. Gloria Rodriguez did, she had a dream and made it a reality. This organization was started with the dream that we would hear the need and desires of the Hispanics in the nation so let’s all help make this dream a reality. Invite, Empower and become people who serve all. Thank you Dr. Gloria Rodriguez and FCH for reminding us of where we came from and that dreams can become realties. Thank you for all you do!