In light of the problems and setbacks affecting Mexico, the Catholic Movements held the 1st National Meeting Together for Mexico from October 16 to 18 at the Exhibition Center in Puebla city.

More than 40 speakers provided an analysis on the role of Catholic Movements in transforming society, addressing topics such as family, life, sexuality, migration, and altruism, among others. Some attendees traveled from South America, Guatemala, Italy, Spain, Israel, and Poland.

Regnum Christi was present through logistical support and representatives from various apostolates developed in Mexico. Likewise, Father Ricardo Sada, LC, territorial director of Mexico and Central America, participated in a panel with representatives of other Movements to analyze the commitment of laypeople to the current situation in Mexico and the world.

Pope Francis also sent a message to the participants: “I ask you, in your missionary commitment, to deepen the spirit of communion so that the Church becomes more and more a family of God that welcomes all men and feeds them with its word and sacraments…”. Also from Rome, Mons. José Ma. Celli, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, sent a video message where he states that the Church does not communicate with advertising campaigns, it communicates by contagion; thus, the challenge for all Movements is for Mexico to be infected through respectful dialogue and personal testimony of the deep values that society so badly needs.

Emmanuel, a renowned Catholic singer, shared his testimony: “We must ask the Holy Spirit to give us the path of wisdom to discern between what is good and what is best, not between what is good and what is bad; to give us strength so we do not succumb to fear and doubt. Many fear what they will say online, on social media, but not losing God forever; we must go to Mass and pray the rosary as a family.”

Artist Eduardo Verástegui was also present: “Evil triumphs when good people stay silent, but there are more good than bad. We must raise our voices, and proof of this is this forum here in Puebla, where the participation of brave people who are not afraid to speak out is demonstrated.”

Mons. Faustino Armendáriz, president of the episcopal laity dimension: “It is necessary for each layperson to be willing to spend their life for Jesus’ project; it is necessary for us to make our lives a service to the most needy. I invite you to serve Jesus crucified in every marginalized person.” The auxiliary bishop of Puebla, Mons. Felipe Pozos Lorenzini: “We are nothing without you, the laity; thank you for your joy and your work, especially prayer, to work together for the Kingdom of God.”

Xiskya Valladares, a religious from the Congregation of the Purity of Mary, known in the community as “the Tuitera Nun”: “There is an urgent need to evangelize the 6th continent, the digital one; we must be an attractive part of the Digital Continent, digital missionaries capable of changing the world, renewing and refreshing Christian and human values in the digital realm. This requires creativity and prayer.” Dominik Kustra from “Aid to the Church in Need”: “In 40% of all countries in the world, Christians cannot profess their faith freely. Persecuted Christians need our help.”

Mons. Víctor Sánchez, Archbishop of Puebla: “In current circumstances, being joyful missionaries should lead us to go out to the peripheries of the world, starting from home. I invite you to go out and meet your own family.” Meanwhile, Lianna Rebolledo moved everyone present with her words: “My daughter is not the result of a rape; she is the fruit of my love for her. In Mexico, not a single life is extra, no one is surplus.”

The event was broadcast live through the news portal es.catholic.net from the media center that provided all the technology to support the media covering the meeting.

As part of the agreements, 60 Movements signed a manifesto: “We will contribute, in a particular and organized manner, in all possible public spaces to build a society that promotes justice and peace as well as equal opportunities.”

The Catholic Volunteering Network and the Network of Networks were also launched to work on concrete actions for the most needy and to promote values and unity on social networks.