The Office of Hispanic Ministry and the Pastoral Juvenil Hispana hosted a bilingual diocesan youth conference for youth ages 13 to 17 on Dec. 14. The event was held at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Birmingham, where 250 participants from various parishes in the Diocese of Birmingham gathered to celebrate and strengthen their faith under the theme "Living for Him and Changing the World."

The event highlighted the importance of accompanying the young Church and providing them with opportunities to encounter Christ. The day was filled with profound moments of adoration, games, activities, and reflections centered on the dignity of each young person as a son or daughter of God. Through these experiences, attendees were invited to reflect on how they can live out their faith in a world full of distractions, answering the call to be living witnesses of the Gospel in their daily lives.

A special blessing of the event was the opportunity for the youth to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Many who went to confession felt renewed, were filled with hope, and experienced the power of God’s mercy. This moment of healing allowed them to encounter Christ in a personal way, deepening their faith and restoring their hearts.

The conference featured well-known speakers Mari Pablo and Josh Rosa. Their testimonies and teachings connected deeply with the hearts of the youth, inspiring them to embrace their faith with renewed passion. Music, led by Agnus Dei Ministry, created an atmosphere of prayer and joy, lifting hearts and strengthening the spirit of fellowship.

The day was more than just a spiritual gathering—it was a true encounter with Christ! At the end of the day, participants left with a clear message: living for Christ transforms their lives and can change the world.