Join us at the Doubletree Resort Paradise Valley in Scottsdale, Arizona, for three days of inspiration, reunion, and life-changing impact. This destination weekend brings together current and past NPH supporters, Hermanos Mayores ("Older Siblings" - adults who were raised at NPH), National Board Members, and friends of the mission — to celebrate Father Wasson’s legacy and provide a future of hope and healing for those in need served by the NPH family.
2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Father Wasson’s passing. It is a year to reflect on the light he left behind — and to recommit carrying it forward. In uncertain times, his story reminds us that one act of compassion can change the trajectory of thousands of lives.
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Be The Light Welcome Reception Doubletree Resort Paradise Valley 6:00 - 7:00 PM
We invite all our NPH USA guests to meet and greet each other. We will have cash bar services available. This is an opportunity to gather, reminisce, and share stories with new and old friends. Dinner to be scheduled on your own.
Gratis
Father Wasson’s Circle of Light Event Reception (Sponsors) Doubletree Resort Paradise Valley – Bouchon Lawn 6:00 - 8:00 PM
We will gather for a private cocktail reception reserved for this weekend's event sponsors. Hosted by newly appointed Archbishop of New York, The Most Reverend Ronald Hicks, sharing his NPH stories and memories of Father William Wasson.
Individual Ticket: $5,000 Couple's Ticket: $7,500
Doubletree Resort Paradise Valley – Mission Walk through Old Town Scottsdale, AZ 9:30 AM – 12 PM
On Saturday morning, we’ll travel together to Old Town Scottsdale for an interactive Mission Walk. As you explore, you’ll uncover NPH clues, learn about the life and legacy of Father William Wasson, and experience the mission in a fun, engaging way. The participant who finds the most clues will illuminate the Father Wasson tribute wall during the evening celebration. We’ll conclude with a special gathering featuring Archbishop of New York, The Most Reverend Ronald Hicks, and Marlene Byrne, co-authors of Change the World: Start with the Children, reflecting on Father Wasson’s lasting impact.
9:30 AM Opening Welcome & Transportation to Old Town Scottsdale
10:00 - 11:30 AM Old Town Scottsdale Mission Walk
Individual Ticket: $100
Doubletree Resort Paradise Valley – Ballroom 5:30 – 10:30 PM
Join us for an inspiring evening where every moment invites you to Be the Light. The night begins with a vibrant cocktail reception, curated silent auction, and engaging gala games—setting the stage for a celebration of purpose and impact.
As the evening unfolds, we will gather as the NPH family to remember Fr. Wasson and the legacy he created. We are honored to welcome Archbishop of New York, The Most Reverend Ronald Hicks as our emcee and guest of honor.
Guests will enjoy a seated dinner and a special performance by the Phoenix Boys Choir, illuminating the spirit of the evening. Together, we will celebrate the light you bring and unite in a shared purpose—to Be the Light for the children of NPH, guiding their path and brightening their future.
5:30 PM Registration Opens 6:30 PM Program, Dinner, & Keynote Speaker 8:30 PM Dancing and Celebration
Individual Ticket: $250 1/2 Table (5 seats): $1,250 Full Table (10 seats): $2,500
Doubletree Resort Paradise Valley – Ballroom
Light bites available after Mass ends.
9:00 - 10:00 AM Mass
11:00 AM - 12 PM Light bites, mingle and close celebration weekend
We will gather at the hotel for morning Catholic Mass presided by Archbishop of New York, The Most Reverend Ronald Hicks, and Father Pedro Arteaga with light breakfast bites, pastries, and coffee after morning Mass.
9:00 AM - Catholic Mass
10:00 AM - Pastries and Coffee (Outside Terrace)
11:00 AM - Our Be the Light celebration has concluded
Free - RSVP required
Thank you for your participation and generosity!
Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks, Archbishop of New York
El arzobispo Hicks fue ordenado sacerdote en 1994 para la Arquidiócesis de Chicago. Es licenciado en Filosofía por el Niles College de la Universidad Loyola de Chicago, y tiene un máster en Teología y un doctorado en Ministerio por la Universidad de St. Mary of the Lake en Mundelein, Illinois. Su ministerio sacerdotal incluyó el servicio como pastor asociado en la parroquia Our Lady of Mercy en Chicago y en la parroquia St. Elizabeth Seton en Orland Hills. Más tarde dedicó varios años a la formación sacerdotal, desempeñándose como decano de formación y decano de admisiones en el St. Joseph College Seminary de la Universidad Loyola de Chicago.
For the NPH family, Archbishop Hicks’ vocation is deeply connected to his long and meaningful relationship with Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos.
Prior to his ordination, he volunteered for one year at NPH Mexico in 1989, an experience that profoundly shaped his commitment to vulnerable children and youth. His relationship with NPH continued in the years that followed, and in July 2005, with the permission of his bishop, Francis Cardinal George, he moved from Chicago to Central America to begin a three- to five-year term as Regional Director of NPH Central America, a role he held until 2010.
During this time, Archbishop Hicks oversaw the NPH homes in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. He resided at the NPH home in El Salvador, where he shared daily life with the children and youth, accompanied caregivers and staff, and provided pastoral and spiritual support to the NPH community across the region. His leadership was marked by presence, humility, and a deep respect for the dignity of every child.
Father Pedro Arteaga, Spiritual Advisor and Mission Minister
Born in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 1964, and a U.S. citizen, he completed his early education in Germany before finishing high school and college in Mexico City in 1984. His first visit to Fr. Wasson in Cuernavaca in 1983 sparked a lifelong commitment to service. After working briefly in Germany and helping establish a fundraising office for NPH, he began religious studies in Rome in 1985, later continuing in Guadalajara and the United States. He entered the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit in California, professed his first vows in 1990, and pursued theological studies in Germany and Rome. Ordained a priest in Milan in 1997, he went on to serve as Vocational Director and co-founded the European Center for Youth and Spirituality in Italy, also helping establish the Fondazione Francesca Rava.
His pastoral and academic journey has taken him around the world—from Kinshasa to Monterrey, and eventually to Oregon, where he served as a Formation Director and adjunct professor at Mount Angel Seminary. After responding to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, he became pastor at St. Matthew Parish before returning to the seminary, later earning a Doctorate in Ministry. In 2021, he was elected Provincial Superior of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit, Christ the Priest Province. Since 2022, he has served on the Board of Directors for NPH Germany and as Mission Minister for NPHI since 2024. His extensive pastoral work includes online and parish ministry, retreats, spiritual direction, prison ministry, and missionary service in Alaska.
Please contact Erin McNulty at 708-610-1203 or events@nphusa.org for more information.