On behalf of the Arizona Peace Center, we would like to welcome you to our first ever online Conference. It has been a learning experience and we want to thank you for your patience and understanding for any technical issues you may see or have.
When the Coronavirus spread from an “outbreak” in the winter of 2019 to a “pandemic” in the Spring of 2020, we knew we would have to cancel the 2020 Marian conference. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus continued to increase in numbers through 2020 and into the Spring of 2021, and we had to make a decision about having a 2021 conference.
First and foremost, we were concerned about the safety of our speakers, priests, deacons, attendees, volunteers and board members. We were truly functioning with an unknown and had no way of knowing the impact of the virus. In addition, due to the hotel’s social distancing requirements, we were limited to the number of people that could attend and whether or not we could meet our conference costs.
Through much prayer and discernment, our board chose to use the 2020 theme “Mary, Our Hope” for our 2021 conference. We felt that due to all the difficulties our country was experiencing, and the fears that people were feeling about the future, that it should remain the same. What was most important is that we truly felt that Our Lady was calling us to host this 2021 conference, whether it be “online” or “virtual”. The speakers talks, centering around our theme, “Mary, Our Hope,” are encouraging words that our attendees need to hear now.
We pray that the messages of these talks remind us that we have Hope. We just need to look to Mary as our example and say “yes” to God. He has a divine plan and we should put aside our worries and trust in His love and mercy.