Leaders say first-ever bilingual evangelization retreat is a huge success

(En Espanol)

Roberto and Esther Rodriguez, members of Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis, attended the Nov. 8, 2025, bilingual evangelization retreat at St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis. (Submitted photo)

Criterion staff report

When Anita Bardo and Felix Navarrete discussed the possibility of offering the first-ever archdiocesan-sponsored evangelization retreat in both English and Spanish, they never imagined the overwhelming success it would have.

As the registration deadline approached, Bardo, the coordinator of evangelization and discipleship for the archdiocese, and Navarrete, the archdiocesan coordinator of Hispanic ministry, realized far more people signed up than initially expected.

As participants entered through the doors of St. Mark the Evangelist Church in Indianapolis on Nov. 8, 2025, the atmosphere was already set for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Both leaders agreed that the Spirit was powerfully present from the first spark of the idea to create an event that embraced the cultural diversity of the archdiocese.

For Bardo, the event wasn’t just for one group, but an opportunity to reach the entire Church. It became a special time for all attendees, and she thanked each person for their “yes” to being a part of the experience.

“It can be difficult to disconnect from our busy lives, but taking this time to relax and reflect on our spiritual journey was important,” she noted.

The day unfolded in two parallel sessions, with presenters in English and Spanish guiding participants through meditation, group discussion and prayer.

The theme, the “Great Story of Jesus,” allowed everyone to reflect on the fundamental theological question, “Who do people say I am?” and helped participants understand how to build a closer relationship with Jesus.

“For me, the most important takeaway of this event was seeing our diverse community united, worshiping Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament during our holy hour,” Navarrete said. “It was a very moving experience to be able to guide that moment with music and prayer, and to see everyone as one big family that makes up the one body of Christ.”

Both leaders emphasized the importance of unity among members of the Church and the efforts the archdiocese is making to reach people on the margins through various programs and events.

Bardo and Navarrete see this first joint evangelization retreat as a model for future collaboration among the different archdiocesan ministries.

The two assumed their archdiocesan roles at the same time and have supported each other in their ministries since meeting in November 2022.

“Anita has been a great support to the archdiocesan Hispanic ministry’s family camp for the past two years,” said Navarette. “She has done an incredible job leading youth sessions and collaborating on events with our Hispanic young adult program. She has a natural gift for working with young people, and I am grateful for her friendship, so when she shared this opportunity with me, I didn’t hesitate. I said, ‘Let’s do it!’ ”

The evangelization retreat was “a wonderful opportunity to connect with ourselves, with others and with our faith,” said Bardo. “There was time for everyone to find peace and clarity during the retreat, to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Everyone’s presence made a difference, and I am grateful for all the effort invested in making this retreat meaningful.”

Bardo hopes the future will bring continuity in creating a path of spiritual growth and renewal for the retreat’s participants. She plans to reflect on the feedback received and provide a space for meditation on mind, body and spirit. She also believes that the collaboration with the archdiocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry will continue as they deem appropriate. †