By Alfonso Aguilar
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 3/10/05)

Organizers of the First Catholic Summit in Washington said this weekend that nearly 5,500 tickets were already sold, projecting that as many as 10,000 persons could attend the celebration on Palm Sunday weekend.

"There is a lot of enthusiasm and faith for the outcome of the new event," said Carlos Chavarría, one of the coordinators and member of the organizing committee Nueva Esperanza Group (New Hope Group), which is associated with St. Anthony Parish in Falls Church.

"With the input of new ads on television and radio stations we are sure that the celebration will be packed," said Chavarría.

The celebration will take place at the D.C. Armory in Washington on March 19 and 20, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and its program includes a Mass, holy hour, praises, testimonies, music and songs, liturgical dances and food.

Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde will be the main celebrant in the Palm Sunday Mass, along with Bishop Joseph Madera from the U.S. Archdiocese for Military Services in Washington; Father Ovidio Pecharromán, director of the diocesan Spanish Apostolate, and "at least one dozen diocesan priests," said Edwin Portillo, general coordinator.

Priests, preachers and religious musicians from Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador and New York will highlight the two-day event, which coincides with the Nueva Esperanza’s 15th anniversary.

For tickets call 703/409-8822 or go to www.ticketmaster.com. For information call Edwin Portillo at 703/409-8820. The D.C. Armory is located at 2001 East Capital Street, S.E., Washington.