The 2nd Annual Farmworker Caravan and Retreat took place at the St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista on May 18-20, 2024, after a year-long preparation with well over 150 volunteers from Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties. With the dynamic leadership of Executive Director Darlene Tenes, Caravan foundress and former student of St. John Vianney School, the occasion provided deep spiritual and educational experiences for farmworker women and their children.
The Sisters of the Presentation, a major sponsor of the event, planned the Liturgy on Pentecost Sunday to which Sisters Rosina Conrotto, Catherine Mary King, Pati Rinehart, Maria Griego, Paula Baker, Gloria Loya, and Michele Anne Murphy joined with Associates Pat Diaz, Rosalie Cabrera, and Yolanda Santillan. Presided over by Father Arturo Ortiz Matiz from the Diocese of Salinas and Deacon Ruben Solario from the Diocese of San Jose. Deacon Solario’s homily highlighted the gifts of the Holy Spirit. As the families brought forth gifts of bread and wine and baskets of vegetables from the fields, the music of Mariachi Azteca accompanied everybody with festive song. Processing from Mass, the gathering at the delicious brunch again demonstrated the power and fire of community.
Monday, the final day, heard students from Santa Clara University and Hollister High School speaking of their experiences as youth in the fields, as well as, saw professionals such as Representative Zoe Lofren, showing support to the farmworkers.
The voices from the fields blended with all participants and volunteers culminating in a presentation of valuable resources for the well-being and protection of the women and children (Mercury News Article).
To participate, Sisters and Associates of the Sisters of the Presentation provided the opportunity to become more aware of today’s plight of the farmworker and to express our gratitude to these essential workers as we celebrate Presentation’s 170th Anniversary of their arrival in California.
Sisters and Associates participated at Farmworker Caravan Liturgy, May 19, 2024 at St. Francis Retreat Center
Image 1: left to right: Srs. Michele Anne Murphy, Catherine Mary King, Paula Baker, Pati Rinehart, Associate Rosalie Cabrera, Sr. Rosina Conrotto, Associate Pat Diaz, Sr. Maria Griego, Associate Yolanda Santillan, and Sr. Gloria Loya
Image 2: Sr. Gloria welcoming Assembly to Farmworker Caravan Pentecost Sunday Liturgy