By Alfonso Aguilar
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 11/13/03)

To conclude the interdiocesan mission "Door to Door," Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde told Latino youths that they should never be discouraged if they are not welcome at some of the doors they knock at because you don’t know what will happen after they leave.

"Never give up and remember that Jesus needs all of you," the bishop said during a recent visit to the Spanish Apostolate. "You have the enthusiasm of youth to proclaim Jesus. Never give up."

After listening to testimonies from some of the 120 youths who participated in the evangelization mission "Door to Door," organized by the diocesan Hispanic Youth Ministry, Bishop Loverde celebrated Mass along with Fathers Ovidio Pecharromán and Richard Mullins of the diocese and with Father Franco Liporace of the Archdiocese of Washington. Many other seminarians and deacons participated in the service.

Most of the participants belong to the diocese, but as many as 35 came from the Archdiocese of Washington and nine from the Diocese of Richmond. Once divided into groups of eight, they visited Sterling, Arlington, Woodbridge, Alexandria, Fairfax and Manassas, reaching out to Hispanic families.

"Many families welcomed us because they are thirsty for the word of God," said Washington Deacon Hugo Contreras.

"It is obvious that many Hispanic families feel tired of a life that does not fill their hearts. I remember the lady that told me, ‘I knew that some day God would knock at my door.’"

The coordinator of the event, Antonio Pérez-Alcala, said the journey was very positive and celebrated with great enthusiasm.

"For our youth it is very important to see the bishop. The bishop’s presence represents for them a signal that they are doing a very important job," said Pérez-Alcalá.

"All your testimonies were very moving," said Bishop Loverde in Spanish. "I feel very happy being with you again," he continued, while blessing and giving participants a biography of the pope.

In parting he reiterated: "Never give up. You are the apostles of your peers. Jesus needs all of you."