June 1, 2011

DAYTON DEANERY — Members of Ascension Parish in Kettering gathered May 15 for the “Fiesta Latina,” a benefit for Nuestra Senora de la Luz (Our Lady of the Light) Parish in Lima, Peru. The event was sponsored by Ascension’s Twinning Committee and the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of the Light Council #14891.

On hand for the celebration was Precious Blood Father Joseph Deardorff, a Dayton native who served as pastor of Nuestra Señora de la Luz Parish from 1995 to 2006. Father Deardorff, who now serves as dean of LaOroya, Peru, deanery, spoke about the struggles of the people of Lima.

The fiesta also included door prizes, a silent auction, authentic Mexican food and entertainment.

Precious Blood Father Joe Deardorff, dean of the LaOroya, Peru, deanery, socializes with Carmen Revilla, a member of Hispanic Catholic Ministry of Dayton, as they discuss an upcoming event  “Journey Through Peru,” Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 in Middletown.	America Stevens, a member of Ascension Parish, holds piñatas for children to rip open after counting down in Spanish.

A colorful display celebrates Hispanic heritage.	Religious artworks were donated and auctioned off to the highest bidder or raffled off to help to support the financial needs of the Nuestra Señora de la Luz Parish in Lima, Peru.