Fernando Casanova from Puerto Rico address the crowd in a passionate speech about family during a family congress event Sunday in Inwood.
INWOOD, W.Va. — People from across the country gathered in Inwood on Sunday to celebrate West Virginia’s first hispanic family congress.
Misionevos Seruidores de la Palabra, or MSP, is a global and national service organization that organized the event which drew about 900 from around the country to the Randy Smith Recreation Center.
“Today was a family congress to bring people closer to God,” said Isaias Martinez, of Martinsburg. “Pastors, music and food was organized in hopes of bringing people together.”
People from Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia and West Virginia were just some who made up the groups gathered to worship and promote family values.
“This is the first Hispanic Congress in West Virginia,” said Deacon Luis, of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsburg. “It brings people together from around the country to enjoy the gospel of the Lord.”
The Randy Smith Center was packed with attendees enjoying the music, plays and speeches by renowned pastors.
“We are celebrating the Year of Mercy,” said Mother Virginia, also of Saint Joseph’s in Martinsburg. “About 900 people came. Inwood is a central location that was easy for all to come, and the gym was large enough for everyone.”
Mother Virginia helped organize the event, invite groups from around the area and welcomed internationally acclaimed pastors to speak to the congregation.
Pastors included Fernando Casanova, of Puerto Rico; Father Modesto Lule, of Mexico; and Father Frederico of Mexico.
“The speakers are great,” said Eduardo Valasquez, of Atlanta. “We wanted to come together to celebrate.”
A large group from Atlanta made the journey to Inwood to celebrate the values of the family congress.
“We brought a band and about 100 people,” said Maria Sandoval, of Atlanta. “The pastors talk about family, putting life situations into perspective and we have activities for kids to have fun.”
Sandoval’s husband, Jose, led and organized the Atlanta group as they made their way up the East Coast.
The large crowd came from all over the country but they said they are bonded by the love of family and God.
“I am visiting with sisters at Saint Joseph’s,” said Phillip, a seminary student at Mount St. Marys in Maryland. “I got to meet a lot of the groups and it was great to see all the hard work pay off. It seems like it’s had a great impact on the Hispanic community.”
Misionevos Seruidores de la Palabra is a Catholic organization dedicated to promoting traditional family values and helping those in need.
Staff writer Matt Dellinger can be reached at 304-263-3381 ext. 128 or www.twitter.com/MattDellJN
