Spanish-language retreat a first in Todd County
By Paul Witte

Healing and Forgiveness: Father Fid Levri was one of the priests who led the two-day Isaiah 43 retreat for Spanish-speakers in Todd County, Ky. Father Fid (right) also led the music.

The Spanish-speaking community of Todd County, Ky., found spiritual uplift and encounter with God during an Isaiah 43 retreat held in February to begin the Lenten season.

Father Carmelo Jimenez, a priest from the Diocese of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico, on assignment to work with immigrants in Kentucky and Glenmary Father Fid Levri led the two-day retreat.

The Isaiah 43 retreat in Elkton was the first retreat given in Spanish for Todd County Catholics and was organized and sponsored by Glenmary’s St. Susan Church. A retreat for English-speakers was held simultaneously at Sts. Mary and James Church in nearby Guthrie.

The Spanish retreat had a positive effect on several folks in attendance.

Santiago Ramirez, a 50-year-old husband and father working and living in the United States with his son and daughter while leaving behind the rest of his family in Oaxaca, Mexico, has battled alcoholism for many years. A man of deep faith and an active prayer life, he felt God strengthen him during the retreat to continue sobriety even though separated from family and surrounded by temptation. What a testimony of God’s faithfulness!

Angélica Resendiz also testified to God’s healing power. She is four years into remission from cancer. Not only does she believe God is healing her but she says God has allowed her to lead a normal life.

For Angélica, the retreat offered her an opportunity to commune with the Lord who she knows sustains her daily.

During lunch on the second day, the American and Hispanic communities reflected on their retreat experience. José Ulloa, a sergeant in the U.S. Army, spoke for the Hispanic community.

Having served in Iraq, his testimony had special poignancy as he described how he experienced God’s peace during the retreat, especially when the community was blessed with the Blessed Sacrament.

Brenda Pike confirmed the same experience of God’s power among those of the parish who attended the English-language retreat.

The parish is stronger for having experienced the Lord in this special way and is looking forward to the next opportunity.

Paul Witte is the pastoral associate serving St. Susan Church and Sts. Mary and James Church.