A mass filled with Hispanic song, rhythm and culture capped the final evening of the Quinquennial Congress on Saturday, July 7. With Fr. Moises Villalta, OFM Cap., as celebrant, there was a focus on being a people of peace -- from the homily to the release of a dove at the conclusion of the liturgy.

Reflecting on the mission of the followers of Jesus to spread the Good News, Father Moises said he “couldn’t help thinking of” the clean-cut, well-dressed Mormons who travel in pairs, evangelizing. Noting they make a commitment to spend two years of their lives doing that, he said: “I can’t help but admire them.”

However, he said, “we as Franciscans have something wonderful to offer the world today,” as a people of peace and as a people of conviction that Christ is our savior.

“Our lives should proclaim that, our lives should proclaim that we love one another...This mission is for everybody…everyone baptized in Christ.”

He added: “Let’s bring this joy to our communities, to our families, to our work places…that Jesus is alive and we are a people of peace.”

At the end of mass, a young man released a dove into the air to the delight and cheers of more than 400 Franciscans in attendance.