2014
Many Hands, One Spirit - Guatemala City
In 2014 we gathered in Guatemala City for another unforgettable Encuentro. Deaf youth from different places came together with adults, interpreters, and sign-language students who wanted to grow in pastoral ministry. Throughout the week we prayed, learned, shared faith, and discovered again how God works in unexpected ways
We welcomed two groups to the Center: Deaf adults who wanted to develop pastoral skills, and students preparing to become sign-language interpreters.
Throughout the week interpreters constantly moved between voices and signs — sometimes interpreting Deaf presenters, sometimes hearing speakers — creating a shared space of communication.
During Mass, Father Joe celebrated using ASL without voice, while Chelo Manero voiced the signs in Spanish for the community.
This experience became a living example for the Guatemalan community of how interpreters and Deaf leaders can work together in workshops, ministry, and liturgy.
Many of the young Deaf participants shared difficult stories of suffering and resilience. Their faith moved all of us deeply.
With the support of trained counselors, many experienced something new: being truly heard, supported, and accompanied.
The Deaf community of Guatemala showed an extraordinary depth of faith, strength, and hope.
Every time we organize an Encuentro, we make our plans… and then God surprises us. Again and again we see that God is at work in the unexpected moments.
