English, Spanish talk at Men's Conference

Mexican-born Luis Soto, director of Hispanic content and business development for the Augustine Institute, will speak at the 20th Anniversary Worcester Diocesan Catholic Men’s Conference, scheduled for March 28, at Assumption College. Mr. Soto will offer two presentations, one in English and another in Spanish, on his theme, “Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of the Americas.”  
“This is the first time the conference has ever offered a talk in Spanish,” said Msgr. Thomas J. Sullivan, co-chairman of the event. “The talk is so good and the subject of Our Lady of Guadalupe so interesting that we wanted to add this special feature at mid-day for those who would like to attend,” he said.
Mr. Soto developed “One Family Under God,” a model of unity and integration among cultures for Catholic parishes. In recognition of his substantial contribution to the Church and society he received the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, one of the highest awards given to a lay Catholic. His passion is to maintain the rich Hispanic heritage and culture while integrating into American society.
Says Mr. Soto, “Few people know the fascinating story of Our Lady of Guadalupe.” Thus, his talk will address the life-changing importance of Mary’s appearance to a peasant man named Juan Diego, on the outskirts of Mexico City in 1531, and the miraculous image she left behind.
Msgr. Sullivan said that “prior to the apparitions, Spanish missionaries had little success in spreading the faith among the indigenous peoples in Mexico. Within 10 years of Mary’s appearing, the entire country became Catholic, about nine million people. That explosion of faith has been described by some as a Pentecost happening every single day for a decade.”
Scott Hahn, the celebrated college professor, television host and author, will also offer two talks at the conference. His morning conference is titled, “The Road to Emmaus: The Path to Lifelong Conversion.” His afternoon program will be “The Power of the Sacraments.”
Boston Auxiliary Bishop Robert Reed, the director of The CatholicTV Network and well known for his own regular television appearances, will offer a talk to precede confessions at the conference, “O God, Just Give Me One More Chance.”
Bishop McManus will be the principal celebrant and homilist for the Conference Mass at 4 p.m.
Singers and composers Ryan and Elizabeth Tremblay will lead the music throughout the day.
Upon arrival, registration for the conference and 70 exhibitions will be in the Laska Gym. The speaking program and lunch will take place in Assumption’s Plourde Center. Confessions will be heard in the Hagan Campus Center.
“We have some wonderful speakers for our 20th anniversary conference,” Msgr. Sullivan said. “There is something for everyone and I know that our participants will not be disappointed, especially given the variety of topics.”
Diocesan and religious priests will participate by hearing confessions at mid-day. The sacrament of reconciliation has been a conference staple in its first 19 years.  Since so many participants go to confession the planning committee hopes that all priests will make the event a priority.  
Through March 11 ticket prices for adult men are $45. On March 12 they increase to $60.  Ticket prices for students are $30 prior to the conference and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online on the conference website at www.firstmensconf.org; by sending a check to Catholic Men’s Conference, 49 Elm St., Worcester, MA 01609; by contacting parish contact persons; or by calling Joan DeMasi at 508-929-4345.
“We are absolutely delighted to offer another outstanding conference this year,” Msgr. Sullivan added.  “Thousands of men have been so loyal to the conference that we want to have an excellent array of speakers for this exceptional anniversary.”