Saturday June 21, 2025. The Roman Catholic Lay Ministers National Convention was held on Saturday 21 June 2025 at the Russel Chiste Auditorium in Dangriga Town.  It was held as a Diocesan Jubilee event under the theme of Jubilee 2025 - Pilgrims of Hope.
The rain poured down at around 3:00am and continued sporadically throughout the morning. Despite the weather, participants and presenters arrived from as far South as Punta Gorda, Orange Walk and Corozal in the North, Benque, Cayo and Belmopan in the West and San Pedro and Caye Caulker in the East.
The day began with the Enthronement of the Bible ceremony. Mr. Eugene Benguche carried the Bible, while Messrs. Vicente Pineda and Frank Sharp carried candles. Mr. Pedro Lozano led the prayers.
Following the opening prayer, a praise and worship session was conducted by Fr. Jordan Gongora, the Diocesan Administrator, accompanied by guitarist and Chairman of the Diocesan Pastoral Life Commission, Mr. Abel Vargas, along with Mrs. Isabel Castillo and Ms. Beatrice Robateau from the Pastoral Life Commission.
Mr. Abel Vargas delivered the Welcome Address, followed by an opening talk by Fr. Jordan Gongora.
The morning featured several presentations. Fr. Amelio Chi discussed Indulgences in English, while Mr. Jose Ortez presented in Spanish. Fr. Julius Njuguna spoke on Spirituality and the Sacraments in English, followed by Fr. Helbert Guevarra's Spanish presentation.  Fr. Andres Vall-Serra also addressed Love of God and Service Commitment in English, while Fr. Guillermo Hernandez concluded with a Spanish presentation.
The remainder of the morning featured several presentations. Fr. Amelio Chi spoke in English on Indulgences, and Mr. Jose Ortez presented in Spanish. Fr. Julius Njuguna, F.M.M presented in English on Spirituality: The Role of the Sacraments and Reconciliation, and Fr. Helbert Guevarra, CSsR presented in Spanish. Fr. Andres Vall-Serra spoke in English on Love of God and Commitment to Service, and Fr. Guillermo Hernandez, CSsR presented in Spanish.
During lunch, a cultural presentation was delivered by the Hanigi Waguburigu dance group and the Qʼeqchiʼ community of Sacred Heart Parish.
After lunch, each parish's Lay Ministers group created resolutions during break-out sessions. This was immediately followed by the Eucharistic Adoration.
This year’s convention concluded with a beautiful Mass officiated by Reverend Father Helbert. Music was provided by Abel Vargas, and featured contributions from the Qʼeqchiʼ community, the Garifuna Choir, and all visiting members.
Special thanks to Fr. Jordan Gongora, the Pastoral Life Commission and to  Fr. Helbert and his parish for hosting this year’s Lay Ministers Convention. We acknowledge the presenters, the Dangriga Sports Council for the use of the Russel Chiste Auditorium, the planning committees, supporters, contributors, and all the Lay Ministers who attended.