2006
Building bridges beyond language — Rancho Viejo
From July 1–8, 2006, Deaf youth and pastoral leaders gathered in Rancho Viejo, Mexico, just outside Mexico City, for another meaningful DCYIA Encuentro. Participants from different countries came together to share a week of learning, prayer, cultural exchange, and community life. Through activities, discussions, and shared experiences, the gathering strengthened friendships across languages and cultures, showing how connection and collaboration can grow even when communication begins with challenges.
The Encuentro brought together Deaf participants from different countries, cultures, and languages for a week of shared experience and community.
Participants communicated across two spoken languages and three sign languages: English, Spanish, American Sign Language, Venezuelan Sign Language, and Mexican Sign Language.
The week included outdoor activities such as rappelling through the trees, archery, and even an improvised soccer game.
Laughter, encouragement, and teamwork filled the camp as participants supported one another through each activity.
During the week, participants visited the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Mexico City, where Mass was celebrated using Venezuelan Sign Language and voiced by an interpreter.
The 25 participants were divided into five groups, each with Deaf youth from different countries, accompanied by a pastoral worker and interpreter.
At the beginning of the week, communication between participants was difficult. By the end, each group confidently presented their work as a team.
What began as a challenge across languages became a powerful experience of collaboration and shared growth.
