In a time of uncertainty and division, 17th annual conference invites men to rediscover their role as spiritual leaders in the family
DETROIT — Amid today’s uncertainty, division and cultural pressures, the Archdiocese of Detroit's 17th Hispanic Men’s Conference invites men to rediscover a fundamental truth: Christ is King and the source of strength.
On Saturday, April 18, men from across the Archdiocese of Detroit will gather at Sacred Heart Major Seminary from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a day of faith, fraternity and renewal. Inspired by Joshua 24:15 — “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” — the conference calls men to embrace their role as spiritual leaders in their homes and communities.
“We live in a time when everything can seem negative — conflict, war, division, separation of families,” said Antonio Camino, president of the organizing committee. “But faith is an active decision. We want men to put on the armor of Christ and return to the domestic church, strengthening the values within their families.”
For Toni Hernández, of the ministry Barrios Transformados en Cristo, that Scripture verse became real after a retreat in 2011. Encountering Christ transformed his life and family. “They saw the change in me, and that inspired them to follow the same path,” Hernández said, noting that today his children also serve in different ministries.
A call to lead by example
A central focus of the conference is helping men rediscover their mission within the home.
“In many cases, men don’t take on that spiritual leadership,” Camino said. “The goal is for them, alongside their wives, to become an example for their children. It’s an investment in values and in closeness to Jesus.”
That daily witness is also key for Andrés García, who has attended more than 14 conferences and will assist with confessions this year.
“It’s about facing the challenges of daily life by living out your faith, being consistent and following God’s commandments,” García said. “That example is what truly reaches the family.”
An opportunity to encounter Christ
Beyond the talks, the conference is designed as an opportunity for a deep encounter with God. Throughout the day, participants will have access to Eucharistic adoration, confession, praise and worship led by Hombres de Fe, time for prayer, lunch, and Mass celebrated by Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger.
Since arriving in Detroit, Archbishop Weisenburger has shown a strong closeness to the Hispanic community, shaped by his experience serving dioceses with large Latino populations. That background has helped him understand the realities many immigrant families face.
“The main goal is for men to encounter Jesus,” Camino said. “That they feel encouraged to go to confession, to participate in adoration and the Eucharist. That can be the beginning of something much greater.”
In a time marked by division and uncertainty, Camino emphasized the importance of walking together in faith.
“Being accompanied lightens the burden,” he said. “Seeing others who share similar struggles helps us not lose hope. We’re not meant to walk alone, but together.”
Organizers hope the conference will serve as a starting point for men to join ongoing groups and continue growing in their faith. Hernández added that one of the key goals is helping men realize they are not alone.
“The conference shows that there are many men committed to building a better world through faith,” Hernández said. He also noted that participants will have the opportunity to learn about various ministries within the Archdiocese of Detroit that provide support for families, youth, addiction recovery and those experiencing loneliness.
“The help from the Church has always been there — sometimes we just don’t know about it,” Hernández said.
García said the experience leaves a lasting impact. “It’s like being renewed, filled up and strengthened,” he said. “Each person brings their own story, and when we come together, we enrich one another through our words and our witness. You leave with more energy, with a desire to keep moving forward — but now with the presence of Jesus.”
Conference speakers
This year’s conference will feature presentations by Fr. Thomas Florek, SJ, and Luis Soto, both experienced in serving Hispanic communities.
Fr. Florek, a Jesuit priest, has dedicated much of his ministry to migrant families, particularly in agricultural and immigrant settings. He also has close ties to Detroit, having served locally and participated in the early stages of this conference.
Soto, originally from Mexico and now director of evangelization and discipleship for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, is recognized for his work in leadership formation and strengthening family life. His mission has focused on helping Hispanic Catholics grow in faith while maintaining cultural identity and fostering unity.
Together, they will guide participants in reflecting on how to “put on the armor of Christ” and face today’s challenges with faith and hope.
Walking together in faith
As many men face pressures at work, at home and in their personal lives, the conference seeks to offer a space of support and fraternity.
“Accompanying one another makes the burden lighter,” Camino said. “Seeing others living similar realities helps us not lose hope. We are not alone. I invite all men to come with an open heart and give themselves the opportunity to encounter Jesus.”
For many, the conference is more than a one-day event. It is an opportunity to return to God, renew the heart, and begin walking alongside others — an experience that can mark a turning point not only in a man’s life, but also in his family.
Editor's note: This article was first published in Detroit Catholic en Espanol, the Spanish-language sister publication of Detroit Catholic.
