The community of Concho, Arizona, showcasing the engagement and support surrounding the local parish despite ongoing controversies.
A conflict in Concho, Arizona has arisen as the Diocese of Gallup ordered the League of the Blessed Sacrament, a Mennonite group, to vacate parish housing and halt its activities. Despite Bishop Wall’s concerns over the group’s legitimacy, community members praise their contributions to local education and services. The League’s members maintain they acted transparently while serving the community. Following their departure, they have relocated to Vernon, Arizona, where they continue to engage in educational initiatives.
Arizona – A significant controversy has emerged in Concho, a small village located about 200 miles northeast of Phoenix, as the Diocese of Gallup has ordered a Mennonite group, known as the League of the Blessed Sacrament, to vacate parish housing and cease its activities within the local Catholic community. The Diocese’s decision follows allegations that the group misrepresented itself and engaged in unauthorized church activities.
The League of the Blessed Sacrament, a lay group of young Catholic individuals, has been operating in Concho for the past four years. During this time, the group claims it has successfully revitalized the impoverished community by providing essential services and programs aimed at enhancing the local quality of life. Community members have reported positive changes resulting from the League’s engagement, including improved education and youth mentorship opportunities.
Bishop James S. Wall of the Diocese of Gallup has raised concerns about the League’s legitimacy, indicating that they presented themselves as a religious order without proper approval. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the group’s activities, particularly amidst worries that the group may have been involved in sensitive situations concerning children in their care.
The members of the League, including Giovanni Vizcarra, Edward Seeley, Eric Faris, Anthony Ribaya, and Lisa Hezmalhalch, firmly assert that they have acted with transparency and adhered to diocesan directives. They had previously belonged to the Canons Regular of Immaculate Conception, an Augustinian community in California, from which they distanced themselves following unverifiable allegations against their superior.
Despite criticisms from the Diocese, the League has garnered substantial support from local community members. Those residing in Concho have expressed their appreciation for the League’s contributions, which include organizing food distribution, planning birthday celebrations for underprivileged children, and reviving essential church functions. The group also took the lead in restoring the historic Christmas fiesta, further cementing their presence in local traditions.
The League has initiated several local businesses over the years, ranging from an animal farm to a thrift store, a Catholic bookstore, a farmer’s market, and a coffee shop. These initiatives were primarily funded through the group members’ teaching salaries and various fundraising efforts. Additionally, they provided education at St. Anthony’s Catholic School in the nearby town of Show Low until their termination from that position by the Diocese in February.
Families have shared testimonials highlighting the beneficial impact the League’s initiatives have had on their children, many of whom reportedly showed greater enthusiasm for both religion and education as a result of the group’s programs.
Within the context of the group’s activities, the League had begun offering care for boys from troubled domestic situations, including one boy who is the son of a local resident seeking adoption arrangements with one of the League members, Vizcarra. However, the Diocese’s concerns regarding potential liability may have influenced their decision to terminate the League’s presence in the community.
Following their departure from Concho, the League has relocated to Vernon, Arizona, where they have begun establishing a new K-12 Catholic school while sustaining their business operations in Concho. Members continue to adhere to their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, though they now express uncertainty about their future roles within the Church.
In conclusion, while the Diocese of Gallup takes a firm stance against the League of the Blessed Sacrament, many within the Concho community advocate for the positive changes and support the group has provided over the past four years. The debate surrounding this issue raises questions about the dialogue and engagement between the local Diocese and its parish members, highlighting the need for improved communication within the Church.
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