Bishop José Negron spreads gospel to inspire youth and families

MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Hispanic and Latino leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference across the statee.

Profiles of these leaders will be published over the course of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. These are people readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.

José Negron

Age: 32

Community: Holyoke

His story: Born in Puerto Rico, José Negron is a bishop at CML Iglesia in Holyoke, a multicultural, non-denominational church offering biblical studies, youth services, a religious school and free sports clinics.

In Spanish, CML stands for “Casa De Milagros and Liberación,” which translates to “House of Miracle and Liberation.” The church was established in 2015 in Springfield, and moved to Holyoke in 2021.

A father to three daughters who is married to his high school sweetheart, Negron said his church loves working with children and young people, and recognizes that everyone can face different barriers to obtaining a quality education.

In that vein, in 2019, Negron created an accredited academy associated with the church staffed by experienced teachers. In 2021, they launched the Wolves Team Training Academy, offering basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball and table tennis free of charge to support the next generation of young athletes.

Negron said he studied for seven years in order to be appointed a bishop, which included a doctorate in theology. He’s spent nearly 15 years as a missionary visiting Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Turkey, Colombia, Panama and Israel.

In his words: “Love the life you have and what you plan to have. Forgive any difficult situation you lived. Reign over your dreams.”

We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.

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