2009
Faith, creativity, and community - Rancho Viejo
In 2009, Deaf young people from across the Americas gathered again at Rancho Viejo in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, for a week of faith, learning, and friendship during the Encuentro. About 30 Deaf participants from the United States, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela joined with an international pastoral team. Throughout the week they shared their faith, overcame language barriers, and discovered new ways to communicate, collaborate, and grow together as a community.
Thirty Deaf young people arrived at Rancho Viejo full of enthusiasm and energy. From the beginning of the Encuentro they showed a deep openness to God’s Word and to sharing life with peers from different countries.
During the week, the groups created powerful skits based on Gospel stories. Their performances moved many of the adults to tears, touched by the faith and authenticity of the young participants.
One of the most meaningful moments was the Mass celebrated at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The celebrant and homilist was Father Jaime Gutiérrez, a Deaf priest from Spain, with interpreters supporting communication for the entire group.
After visiting the Basilica, the group went to La Feria for some recreation. The Deaf young people enjoyed the rides and activities, while some of the adults watched a World Cup match before everyone returned to the camp through a heavy rainstorm.
The traditional day of physical challenges included a zip line through the forest, trust-building exercises, and teamwork activities. One memorable challenge required each team to design a way to protect an egg using creativity and collaboration.
At the beginning of the Encuentro, many participants struggled to communicate because of different sign languages. By the end of the week, each group confidently presented their work, showing how they had learned to collaborate and communicate as one community
