Mary Our Queen 2017 Honduras Mission

Thanks to all our Benefactors

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 20:25:00 +0000

"And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we saw His glory, the glory, the glory as the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14

Just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you, our benefactors in the United States. Your financial contributions made it possible for Mary Our Queen Catholic Church to fund the travel expenses of 14 missionaries this year. Your donations purchased for us the raw materials (sheet metal, cement, nails, screws c-beams, etc) needed to build new roofs for seven different families this week. Some of the homes and families are shown below.

2017 Mary our Queen Honduras Mission Team with the Capuchin Friars of the Renewal

Mark holds the ladder for Franklin. Tom

in the background (Home #2)

L-R: Paul, Francisco, Andy, Meghan, Claudia, Briana, and

Br. Michelangelo pose with family under their new roof (Home #4).

Andy, Fr. Felix, and Joe at Home # 7 (Mark is taking the photo).

Fr. Pascal with Home #3 family.

After finishing our construction projects, we all enjoyed a cookout with the locals on top of the mountain. Your financial contributions allowed us to buy enough food to feed multiple families yesterday afternoon. Short of an occasional flour tortilla, this was the only time I witnessed the people in this particular area of the country eat lunch since we began construction on Monday. When Jordan, a four-year old boy who helped us all week carrying supplies up the mountain to his home, was asked if he had eaten anything, his sheepish reply was “No hay comida” – there is no food.

Preparing food for the cookout on the last day. From L-R: Karen, Iris, Nelson, Milka, Juan, Christian, Tom, Pamela, and Franklin.

Apostolates Nelson and Christian lead the children in song before the cookout.

On our final night in Honduras, the Friars hosted a good bye Fiesta for Brother Ignatius at Casa Guadalupe. Brother Ignatius leaves for the United States on Sunday in order to go to seminary. He has been influential to the Cenacolo children’s ministry for the past three years, especially through his music. During the Fiesta, our mission team and the Friars served dinner to the families, while Brother Ignatius and Nelson performed live music. Financial contributions from you and other benefactors help fund programs such as Cenacolo, the children's ministry held Tuesday through Thursday, in which the Friars feed many of the impoverished children in the local area.

Above: Br. Ignatius performing, "Good Good Father," Christian song by Chris Tomlin.

Below: Br. Ignatius singing with the children in the Cenacolo ministry

A special thanks to our hosts, the Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR). The CFRs are a Catholic religious order focused on serving Christ through community life and service to the poor. The order is founded on the rule of St. Francis of Assisi, and today spans all across the world in impoverished areas.

From L-R (Top Row): Fr. Yosef, Fr. Felix, Fr. Richard, Fr. Justin,

Fr. Pascal, Br. Ignatius, and Br. Ruffino.

Bottom Row Apostolates "Friars in Training":

Alan, Nelson, and Christian

“It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourself and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.” - St. Pope John Paul II

After six years of temporary vows, the CFR’s make final vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Or as they say at the friary in the Bronx, NY “No ‘bling bling,’ no ‘sweet thing,’ and ‘Obey Christ the King.’ Despite the cost, the Friars we met this week lived out their vows with so much joy and peace. Br. Michelangelo remarked (paraphrase) that at first he thought he was giving something big to God, then he realized that becoming a friar was rather a tremendous gift from God to him.

Br. Ignatius reads to a child at Cenacolo.

Despite making vows of chastity, the Friars are spiritual father figures to many in the area.

"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more..." - Matthew 19: 29

Despite making vows of material poverty, all poverty ceases at the banquet of the Lord. Some of the Friars go off to seminary to study to become priests. The Friars are active contemplative religious, meaning that they celebrate daily Mass and live a life of prayer, thus receiving the graces necessary to go out and bring the light of Christ into some of the darkest places of the world.

L-R: Fr. Yosef, Fr. Felix, Fr. Pascal, Fr. Richard, Fr. Justin celebrate morning Mass.

Some final pictures....

L-R: Deacon Mike, Briana, Adriana, Claudia, Meghan, Br. Ruffino

Colin and Joe

Thanks again to all our friends, family, and benefactors who joined us on this fun ride, either through your donation, or through your thoughts and prayers. As we write, we are sitting in the Honduran airport, waiting for our flight home to Atlanta. We can’t believe that our time in Honduras has already come to an end. Thanks for your generosity. All praise, honor, and glory to God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

In Christ,

Tom, Meghan, Paul, Franklin, Joe, Mark, Russ, Deacon Mike, Ami, Andi, Adriana, Briana, Claudia, and Colin.

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 03:24:00 +0000

“The important thing is not to do a lot, or to do everything. The important thing is to be ready, at all times; to be convinced that when serving the poor, we really serve God.” – St. Teresa of Calcutta

Loading metal beams onto the trucks

Loading the stainless steel sheet metal

It takes an hour to reach our mountainous destination. This is the "flat part" of the drive.

We can’t believe we only have one full day left in Honduras. We’ve had another beautiful day here and our crew is operating at full strength. We sent another team up into the mountains to try and finish up all the roofing projects. Tomorrow, we will go back to the mountains for a half day’s work for touch ups.

The Di Rito's haul the sheet metal through the Honduran countryside - the road is too rough to drive the trucks everywhere (Meghan can't bi-locate - this picture is from yesterday)

Porta Paul

For every house we've worked on, we've had to strip out the old roof

Andy on the roof

Honduran rush hour traffic

Meanwhile, back in Casa Guadalupe, a group helped out with the Cenaculo children’s feeding program again while another group did some work around Casa Guadalupe. Rust was scrubbed, garage doors were painted (four coats of paint was needed), and rooms were swept and mopped.

Amy and Fr. Yusef

Meghan and Adriana painting the garage door

Meghan, Fr. Yusef, and Adriana

Russ and Deacon Mike sanded and washed this metal gate

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40

In Christ,

Meghan and Colin

The Joy of Children

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 05:06:00 +0000

"It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you. He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle." - Saint Pope John Paul II

Family joyful to have a new roof over their home in the Honduran Mountains

Today, our construction teams continued work on four different roofing projects in the Honduran highlands while Father Yosef accompanied by Joe and Adrianna went on house visits to bring Communion to the sick and elderly. Whether in the mountains, or in town, the children we meet a long the way bring us all so much joy.

Br. Ignatius eating lunch with kids during Cenaculo at Casa Guadalupe.

Briana and Claudia make bracelets for the children at one of the mountain job sites.

Meghan takes a break from roofing to greet the children.

"Jesus declared, 'I praise You Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.' "

Adriana, Briana, and Claudia pose with a child outside Casa Guadalupe

Franklin, Tom, and Russ after another tough, but joyful day of roofing

Work Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 03:13:00 +0000

Today, we returned to the mountains and continued work on the two houses as well as starting a third house. We couldn't help but stop and admire the view of the Honduran countryside.

Russ, Tom, Mark, Andy, and Franklin take a break from hiking up the mountain

The Geriatric Squad takes down the old roof

Meghan, Fr. Richard, and Colin

Russ, Deacon Mike and Andy - what a beautiful view!

Las Ninas had fun playing with "Las bombas" - the balloons

A panoramic shot: what a view!

Fr. Richard must have been a professional roofer in a former life

Adding the last sheet metal up on the roof

Fr. Pascal made a friend

Meanwhile, back at Casa Guadalupe, a group worked with Cenaculo, which is a feeding program for children. There is one program in the morning and another in the afternoon. The program teaches the children about discipline, responsibilities, and good manners. The children wear different colored aprons that have different chore meanings including serving lunch, sweeping, cleaning, etc.

Brother Ruffino plays for the children at Cenaculo

The children prepare for their meal at Cenaculo

We've definitely had our challenges down here in Honduras: half of our team has caught "the bug" which puts them out for 24 hours (be assured they are getting the best of care). Please pray for us as we work through this unexpected challenge!

In Christ,
Briana, Meghan, and Colin

Our First Day Out and About

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 03:23:00 +0000

Loading up for our first day

Today we split into three teams with two construction teams and one evangelical teams. Our construction teams would like to finish roofing seven roofs by the end of the week. God willing, we will make our goal. The houses are all far up in the mountains, an hour drive from Casa Guadalupe. It’s a beautiful area and a scenic drive.

Up in the mountains

Navigating the Honduran countryside was fun!

Despite the "offroad" ability of our vehicles, they were still not up to the full task against the Honduran roads. We ended up hauling the sheet metal and beams by hand the final uphill mile. One team got to the house, only to realize that we were missing a crucial welding component. They came to help with the other construction team, where we tore down a house made of wood and tarp to make room for a larger roof. We also prepared a second location for putting up a roof tomorrow by tearing down the old structure. We were blessed to have a lot of help from the local Hondurans.

The original family home was composed of sticks and tarps

Meghan and Joe tearing down the old frame

We had a lot of help from locals

The evangelical crew started out the day by doing Communion calls then in the afternoon went to the market. One of the things you get accustomed to in your normal life is just as I said: NORMAL. Going on the Communion calls today was an eye opener to Claudia and I, seeing how people live their life in some of the most terrible ways, but they can be so humble and grateful for even being alive, something we sometimes take for granted. We visited 3 people who are mainly bed ridden: Noe, Doña Ilda, and Alicia (aka Reyna).

Walking to Communion calls

Noe is 28 year old who was shot and paralyzed from the waist down as the result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, along with Alicia. Alicia was a rebellious child before ending up with the same fate as Noe: being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Alicia and Noe have both turned their lives to God, as a result of making the best out of the circumstances. Noe is currently studying psychology, and Alicia has changed her habits and starting to go by her middle name Alicia rather than her first name Reyna, saying that “Reyna is now gone, and I’m growing into the Alicia I am meant to be”. Doña Ilda is a woman who is in her mid 80s who is bed ridden and cannot speak. Doña Ilda lives with her daughter who is, fortunately, a nurse. In the marketplace, we went to evangelize to some vendors who allowed us to read the gospel and give them and their blessings.

Brother Michelangelo, Briana, Claudia, and Noe

Even though this is our 3^rd day here, coming here has been such a humbling experience to be a part of. When we are living our everyday lives, we can forget about the crippled and disabled, the ones who make everything out of what God has given them while we are complaining about what we want and don’t want for lunch. The beauty of Honduras can be seen in the mountains or the ocean, but what is most beautiful to me is the simplicity of the villages, the humbling smiles of people passing you in the street, and seeing the children make the most of playing around. It’s the little thing in life that we need to consider, and the people down here have already started to make the most of life.

In Christ,

Briana, Meghan, and Colin

Sunday Retreat

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 02:09:00 +0000

Today, Sunday, the Friars held a retreat for us so that we might prepare ourselves spiritually to serve the people of Honduras. We started the day with Sunday Mass in the Friary: Convento San Serafin. During today's Psalm, we heard the following passage: “All the nations you have made shall come and worship you, oh Lord, and glorify your name.” (Psalm 86). The Psalm reminded us that we are united with all of you, our benefactors from the United States, who received the same readings, the same liturgy as us. It made us appreciate all the more the universality of our Catholic faith. We are truly blessed.

Fr. Justin giving a talk

Our day was filled with silent meditations and talks by the Friars. We also had the opportunity for Confession. As Fr. Justin reminded us today in the words of Christ: “Whatever you did for the least of my brethren, you did for Me.” We are to be God’s presence to the people so that they might feel His presence through the work of our hands. Our work is not only about giving, but also about receiving. As Catholics, we participate in a global solidarity with our less fortunate brothers and sisters.

Missionaries on the roof

After dinner, we split into teams, preparing for tomorrow. We have two work crews ready for roofing as well as an evangelical team which will be following one of the Friars on Communion home visits and beginning in the market (the Friars beg for their food every week). Again, please pray for us and for the people that we will be serving.

In Christ,

Meghan and Colin

Safe and Sound in Honduras

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 02:55:00 +0000

Hello from Honduras! God be praised we all made it to Casa Guadalupe safe and sound.

This year's team: on the back row: Fr. Justin, Paul, Tom, Amy, Franklin, Deacon Michael, Mark, Russ, Fr. Felix, and Joe

On the front row: Colin, Andy, Claudia, Adriana, Briana, and Meghan

This year you, our generous benefactors, sent fourteen missionaries from the parishes of Mary Our Queen and St. Michael’s. We look forward to serving the people in Honduras.

Please pray for us and for the people that we will be serving.

A special thanks goes out to those who donated items for the Friars.

The Friars were using a cobbled together computer comprised of half a laptop and a screen. Your generosity provided the Friars with an actual desktop computer to replace the laptop.

Internet allowing, we will update you on our daily activities through this blog. This year, our work crew will be reroofing seven houses. We will also be doing some evangelical work alongside the Friars such as bringing Communion to the homebound, spreading the Gospel, and working with children’s ministries.

A few of the suitcases filled with donated items.

Tomorrow, we will prepare to serve the people of Honduras through participating in a silent retreat at Casa Guadalupe. During this time, rest assured that we will be praying for all of you.

In Christ,
Meghan and Colin

Turn n' Burn

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 03:41:00 +0000

On our final work day in Honduras, we returned to the House Construction Site to move more dirt to be used for filling in the walls of the new house.

Our team had a pretty good system going: Father Felix would drive five of us down the road a few miles to the dirt mine (Near the construction site, the dirt was too rocky for the family to use for their walls).

Once we filled the bed up with good dirt, we would head back up the mountain to the house construction site.

Tom (left) and Brother Roch empty dirt out of the bed of the pickup truck.

Upon returning to the house construction site, we'd dump the dirt on the side of the road. Father Felix and his five compadres would then "turn n' burn" back down the mountain for more dirt.

Brother Roch and Rick filling their bags with dirt to take down the hill.

From the dirt pile on the side of the road, bags were filled to transport the dirt down the narrow path to the new house.

Throughout the week, the Honduran family we were helping worked a long side us every day. Without complaint - even with joy - they participated in the same physical, manual labor as us. This young lady made multiple trips up to the road, and back down with heavy bags of dirt - all in flip flops!

Hector, Deree, and this little boy made multiple trips up and down the trail, carrying bags of dirt as big as themselves to the new home.

The bags of dirt were dumped into piles next to the house. Here the dirt was mixed with water to form the clay used for filling the gaps between the slats of wood.

The process to get enough dirt down to the construction site was difficult and slow. Each trip, or "turn n' burn" in the pickup truck, required about 35 minutes from the time one truckload of dirt was offloaded until the truck returned with more dirt.

Rick, Allen and Charlene (below) treating the wood slats to prevent rotting.

From left to right: Deree, El Hefe (the boss), Deacon John, and Carey.

The universal language of love - combined with some broken spanish here and there - dissolved all language and cultural barriers. It was tough saying goodbye to our new friends.

Father Paschal, Charlene, and Russ inspect the new roof that our team installed for a young mother living in downtown Comayagua. Last night, it poured for hours, but all was dry inside.

"La Catedral," built in the 1600s, located in downtown Comayagua. After work on Friday, Father Paschal took our crew into town to go site seeing.

Sunrise at Casa Guadalupe

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend nor cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name, the Gentiles will hope."

The 2016 Mary Our Queen Honduras Mission Team pose for one final picture with the Friars. Photo was taken in the garden at Casa Guadalupe just before we headed out to the airport.

In the words spoken through Isaiah, revisited in today's gospel reading from Matthew, we were reminded of the need for mercy and justice in our own lives, our own homes, and in our world. As our mission team "turns n' burns" back to the United States, we were reminded that you need not look very hard, nor travel to a foreign country, to find injustice. Sharing a sandwich, or giving a simple word of encouragement to someone in need may be all it takes for Christ to keep the light of life smoldering in a suffering soul.

Shout out to the Friars

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 12:27:00 +0000

When someone mentions ‘Catholic Priest,’ most people imagine a strict man, trapped in a tight black suit, choked by a stiff white collar. This black and white stereotype of your typical diocesan priest, however does not describe the catholic priests of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.

Left to Right: Brother Diego, Brother Roch, Father Felix.

The Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR) often wear gray hooded robes called habits. Hundreds of years ago, Saint Francis – the founding father of the CFRs – did not desire to wear the fancy robes preferred by most clergy, but instead wished to blend in with the poor and common folk. In the 12^th century, the poor and common folk wore plain, simple habits. In continuation of this practice, the CFRs today wear the simple gray habit.

Friars wear a rope belt around the waist of their habit. The rope contains three knots, symbolizing the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Like Saint Francis, today’s friars often prefer to blend in with the common man and can therefore, opt to wear modest jeans, a ball cap, and t-shirt when working with the poor out in the field.

Father Rich (left) wearing the habit - common dress of the poor in the time of his patron, Saint Francis, stands next to his brother - Father Paschal - who dons the clothing of today's common man.

From Left to Right: Deacon John, Mark, and Brother Roch (CFR).

Not all friars are priests - some do not have a vocation, or calling from God, to the priesthood, and therefore carry out their religious life as “brothers.” Fraternity is a major part of the CFRs. Often times; ordained brothers (aka “priests”) will refer to themselves first as “brothers who happen to be priests as well.” In this fraternal setting, the friars serve each other in chores such as cooking, cleaning, yard work/gardening, and maintenance – Friaries are not allowed to hire employees to work in the Friary. Saint Francis believed in the importance of manual labor, especially among men.

The fraternal lifestyle and community living amongst the CFRs is second only to their prayer lifestyle. Everything the Friars do revolves around a personal relationship to Christ through the sacraments, scripture, and prayer. The Friars begin their individual prayers at 5 A.M. followed by silent meditation until group prayer (morning prayer) at 6:30. Immediately following morning prayers, they celebrate Mass together.

Father Felix (left) the celebrant, gets ready to head into the chapel to celebrate Mass with Deacon John (middle) and Brother (Deacon) Roch.

Throughout the rest of the day, the Friars carry out their “apostolate” duties to preach the Word of God and serve the poor. This duty encompasses a wide variety of works, such as home visits to the sick, elderly, or orphans, begging on the streets (the friars rely on God’s providence for their own livelihoods), children’s ministry, construction projects, etc. The Friars carry out their apostolate duties in poor areas all across the world: in New York, New Jersey, Honduras, Nicaragua, and in London.

Father Felix (left) at the House Construction Site.

Brother (Deacon) Roch (CFR) shovels dirt out of the back of a pickup truck.

Father Youssef with Jonathan and Glenda at Cenaculo.

Father Rich with Jim, Mark, and Russ.

Brother Diego with the children.

Jim (left) with Brother Roch and Father Paschal.

Father Rich putting up new roofing.

By 5:00 PM, the Friars return from “the field” to gather for Holy Hour in the chapel. During Holy Hour, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for silent adoration and prayer. According to one Brother, the spiritual food from the Eucharist – consumed during Mass, and later adored during Holy Hour, gives him the strength to work in “the field.” Many times, there is little consolation in serving the poorest of the poor.

Eucharistic Adoration during Holy Hour in the chapel.

Following Holy Hour and evening prayers, the Friars sit down together for dinner. Dinner is the only formal meal of the day – somebody is assigned each night to cook and set the table. In Honduras, the Friars eat rice and beans for dinner. Dinner is normally followed with some form of recreational activity, and the day is concluded with prayer.

Formation in the CFRs takes six years before one makes final vows. The first year, called “postulancy,” is mainly a year of discernment. After the second year, called “novitiate,” young men make temporary vows to poverty, chastity, and obedience – then receive two habits and their rosary. These temporary vows are renewed annually for four years until a friar makes his final vows to God. If a young man wishes to leave the order at any point during this six-year period before taking final vows, he may. Not everyone is called to this lifestyle. To those who have generously and freely answered a vocation to join the CFRs, we are grateful.

L-R: Father Richard, Father Paschal, Father Felix, Father Ussef, and Brother (Deacon) Roch.

Regardless of one’s vocation in life, everyone has a universal calling from God to Holiness. For those of us who have been called to married life, or some other religious vocation, spending one week with CFRs is, nonetheless, a true blessing.

Shout out to our Benefactors

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 14:20:00 +0000

Tonight, one of the themes of Brother Roch's testimony was the power of intercessory prayer. We would like to thank our benefactors back home who have made this week possible for us. Each one our you said 'yes' to God by making an effort to pray for us and/or making a financial contribution. Heaven knows the effect that each one of your individual prayers has had on our work, and on the life someone in Honduras. Without your support we would not have had the lumber to build walls, the tin sheets for roofing, or the pvc pipe, cinder block, and concrete to build a water basin for a family in need. Thank you. All glory and praise to God, whose grace makes it possible for our hearts to be moved in generosity.

Brother Roch sharing his testimony after dinner.

Mark (L) and Allen (R) pose to take a picture with children after loading the truck.

(From left to right) Mark, Father Rich, Tom, and Russ pose for one final picture with Pablo, Maria, and their children. Photo taken in front of the family's new water basin.

Charlene (right) at 'La Mesa' construction site, helping Jim (middle) and Allen (left) treat wood to be used for slats in the walls of the house.

Rick rocks. Rick and the other members of the 'Dig Team' at 'La Mesa' scavenged for rocks to be used to fill in the walls.

Los Hermanos (the brothers) were a huge help with the construction of their new home. They tirelessly carried bags of dirt or cement (normally as big as them!) down from the road above, to the construction site. Then they would sprint back up the hill - in flipflops - to retreive more bags of dirt.

Upon completion of the water pipe and basin, the 'Geriatric Squad' was reassigned to replace the roof on this lady's home.

Russ and Allen remove the old roof.

Colin and Allen treating wood to be used for holding up the tin roof.

"Has anyone ever built a roof before?"

Tom carrying lumber from the truck up to the house.

Father Richard must have worked construction prior to becoming a friar, he was pretty comfortable up on the roof all afternoon.

Cenaculo

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 14:08:00 +0000

"How can you say there are too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers."

- Mother Teresa

At Casa Guadalupe, children’s ministry is so crucial because giving time and attention to the children is a long-term investment for a better future. Additionally, earning the trust of the local children provides the friars with a medium to reach out to the parents and families.

Children gather outside Casa Guadalupe for Cenaculo.

One of the main ministries of the friars is “Cenaculo,” a program they began a year ago to serve the impoverished children in the local neighborhood. “Cenaculo” is the Spanish word for dining room, but is also the term for the Upper Room where Christ and his Apostles celebrated the Last Supper. Three days a week about 40 children come in two groups for lunch, religious education, and activities that range from quiet arts and crafts to rambunctious games of “pelota” and tag.

The children arrive on foot, walking from their nearby homes. Those who are fortunate enough to be in school come dressed in their school uniforms. Since the school day in Comayagua is divided into two shifts, the first group will not begin school until after lunch. This morning, upon arrival, they divided into two groups: pelota (soccer) and arts and crafts.

The children enjoy building crafts with Charlene.

Carey and Colin took on some of Honduras’ up and coming soccer talent in the blazing heat. The kids took to them wholeheartedly but showed them no mercy when it came to soccer. Later, Colin paid them back with calisthenics from boot camp.

Brother Diego (bottom left), Colin and Carey (right), do pushups and other calisthenics with the children.

After this time of ferocious activity and creativity, it’s time to cool down for lunch. The friars use some “Montessori” methods that have helped the children learn self sufficiency and decorum. When it’s time for lunch they all line up and wash and dry their hands. They enter the cenacolo (dining room) two at a time and get their plates, silverware and napkins from their assigned cubby holes.

One child is assigned as an acolyte for the week and lights candles before the blessing. Then they don “gabachas” (aprons) and take turns serving food to each other. Today’s menu was rice with vegetables, beans, shredded cabbage, with cheese to top it off, and tortillas on the side. They ate with gusto. Dessert was watermelon, always a favorite.

The friars sit at the tables with the children and engage them in conversation. Most of it was hard for a non-Spanish speaker to understand, but there was talk of a “raton grandissimo” up a tree at school. It was determined by Father Paschal that it was a possum.

Christo, one of the three candidates for entering the Friars of the Renewal, explained to us that the children love for adults to sit down and eat with them. In Honduran homes, it is not common for parents to sit down and eat with their children.

After lunch they ask to be excused to go and wash and dry their own dishes. Depending on the color of the “gabacha,” some children sweep the floor under their respective tables (it can get pretty messy under there) and some clean the table tops. When they’ve finished their tasks they can choose a quiet activity like coloring or puzzles.

Juan Carlo - a candidate for entering the Friars - oversees and assists with quiet time after lunch.

Then Brother Diego to picks up the guitar and the kids make a very joyful noise. They are enthusiastic singers and enjoy going through the energetic motions. A favorite is “El Pato” (the duck) with quacking sounds and chicken dance moves. After the singing the children discuss and meditate on a Bible verse. They are asked to sit silently, and, amazingly, they do.

Showing the people of Honduras - especially the children - that God loves them, is a major part of what the friars do. Their love shines through in their play, their discipline, and their teaching. It’s a beautiful ministry.

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” (John 11: 25).

Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 14:58:00 +0000

Russ, Mark, and Tom pause to take a picture with Pablo and Maria, and their children. Jose

Filling bags with dirt from the back of a pickup. Bags of dirt were then hand carried down to the house construction site - it will be used to make mud bricks for the walls.

Brother Diego works on crafts with children.

Today, our mission team continued to work on the two construction projects we started yesterday. The “Pipe-Lay’n Mountain Climbers,” transported and emplaced cinder blocks in order to build a water basin for the family up on a hill. The dig team continued to dig and work on the foundation of a family’s new home. Those that did not go to out to the two different construction sites stayed at the 'Casa Guadalupe' home in order to assist the Friars with a program they run for children every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Mark (left), the cement mixer.

Jose Antonio (left) works with Tom (middle) and Russ to build a water basin.

After running the water pipe up to the top of the hill (yesterday), today's project consisted of building a water basin for Pablo's family. In Honduras, running water is intermittent, therefore families require basins in order to collect water for cooking, cleaning, etc throughout the day.

Rick carries a bag of dirt from the back of a pickup truck at the top of a hill, down to the house construction site.

House construction site.

Jim (left), Father Felix, and Allen (Right) pause for a break to drink water and pepsi from a plastic bag. The local family generously shared their 2-Liter bottle of pepsi-cola with us by passing out plastic sandwich bags and sharing their little wealth.

Charlene building crafts and coloring with the children at Casa Guadalupe.

Three is Good

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:58:00 +0000

'Diggin' it!' Jim (left), Father Paschal (right) dig holes to emplace the 12' 4x4 beams that serve as the framework for a new house.

Mark (left) and Russ (Middle) connect new water pipe to the main.

Father Ussef and Deacon Allen (right) visit local friends at the market in Comayagua.

Spiritually speaking, there is something wholesome about the number “3,” such as the “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” or the “Passion, Death, and Resurrection,” of our one Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, in a small way, we were blessed with three opportunities to go out and serve. ‘ We began our first day of work gathered together for prayer and morning Mass. Shortly after breakfast, our group of 11 split into three different teams: The “‘Pipe Lay’n’ Mountain Climbers,” the “Diggers,” and last but not least, the “Visitators.”

Mark, Russ, and Tom pause for a picture on the hill leading up to the home.

The “Pipe Lay’n Mountain Climbers” worked all day to lay and connect PVC pipe from the main water line to a family home on top of a hill. The home was approximately 150m uphill from the community’s main water line, making it no easy task in the hot Honduran sun.

This mother and her child have not had access to running water in their home in over a month.

Father Richard and the group take a break for lunch in the family's home.

The “Diggers” dug – 12 holes in rocky mountain soil. Digging was the first step in an ongoing project to build a home for a family in need. By the end of the day, with the help of the family, members from a Honduran parish in Comayagua – the initial framework for the new home was established.

Treating the 12' 4 x 4's in order to prevent rotting.

Father Paschal be trippin' over the strings used as guides for the emplacement of the new house

Los Hermanos (the brothers) oversee and assist with the building of their new home.

Rick and John.

The “Visitators,” ventured into the crowded chaos of the marketplace in Comayagua in order to mingle with friends and to beg. The friars depend on God’s providence to provide for their basic needs, and therefore beg for donations from the locals.

Charlene and Allen.

Father Ussef with Melony Sofia and her mother.

In addition to visiting the market, Charlene and Deacon Allen accompanied Father on house visits to the sick and elderly. One family graciously welcomed the Father Ussef, Charlene, and Allen into the home as their 100 year old grandfather was dying. Father Ussef was able to administer three sacraments in one visit: anointing of the sick, confession, and Holy Communion.

Day Retreat

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 14:04:00 +0000

In preparation for our week of “going out,” we spent our first full day in Honduras looking within – a day spent in quiet prayer and reflection within the confines of the San Serafin home. We began the day with Morning Prayer and Mass, followed by an opportunity to go to Confession.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during afternoon Holy Hour.

Picture of mountains, taken from the rooftop of the San Serafin home.

Fr. Pascal (above) follows Brother Diego's talk on mercy by leading a discussion. Fr Pascal focuses on how we can apply mercy to dissolve barriers that divide us as God's children. Divine Mercy is a form of love and forgiveness that pierces deep, bitter hatred and/or suffering to usher in God's healing grace.

Throughout the rest of the day, individual reflection time was broken up by three different talks and discussions. Brother Diego’s morning talked revolved around mercy and the good news of the gospel. Using a reading from Isaiah 56, Brother challenged us to reflect on the times that God’s mercy has rained down on our own lives, and produced fruit. Brother also touched on how the plight of poor and suffering here in Honduras can be overwhelming – that often times there is no consolation, but that we must trust in Jesus and His mercy.

Gathering for Brother Rock's (left) afternoon talk.

Brother Rock delivered a talk on “lectio divina” – a method of praying by using text from Scripture. This method utilizes the following four step/ “R” formula: 1) Reading - text from Holy Scripture 2) Receive – meditate on the reading, let it soak in. 3) Reply – “respond” to it in prayer 4) Rest – spend time in quiet contemplation, allow God to do the talking. This afternoon, we applied the methodology of lectio divina to Luke’s passage on the Transfiguration. Our one-day retreat concluded with Holy Hour, followed by dinner, then a Ping-Pong tournament. Tomorrow we will begin our first day of work.

We have three projects on the “To Do List” for tomorrow. The first project involves laying an underground water pipe to a community in the hills (The people living there have been without water for a couple of months since the pipe they were using got shut down). The second construction project involves building a house. The third project/ activity in-store revolves around outreach, and visits to the sick and elderly.

It was another early night to bed – this time in preparation for tomorrow’s work. Instead of rain, however, we were lulled to sleep with by the sound of a soccer game being played in a field across the dirt street from the the San Serafin Home.

We've Arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 17:45:00 +0000

The 2016 MOQ Honduras Mission Team: L-R: Mark, Carey, Jim, Tom, Allen, John, Charlene, Michael, Russ, Rick, and Colin. Photo taken in front of Mary Our Queen Catholic Church, Saturday July 9, 2016, prior to step-off.

Our day began at our home church in Norcross, Georgia – a few hours later we landed in Tegucigalpa. The roller coaster decent into the capital of Honduras was a thrill. Upon arrival, Brother Diego, a friar clad in the traditional “Jedi-esc” apparel of the Franciscan Order, warmly greeted us. We were also pleasantly greeted and blessed by good weather – an uncharacteristic cool, overcast day in the 70’s. Somehow all of us managed to pack into two vehicles – along with ten large suitcases full of donated goods - and departed for our road trip to the San Serafin Mission Home in Comayagua, Honduras.

Despite the cram, and the fear of bottoming out, the drive to Comayagua was rather pleasant. The lush green Honduran countryside provided us many scenic views as well as a quick, passerby glance of the impoverished state of the country. The road was crowded with old Toyota pickups, motorcycles, stray dogs, and multiple school busses - including one inscribed with “DeKalb County School System.” With Tom and Mark driving, and Brother Diego navigating, we safely managed the windy highway through the Honduran hillside and reached our destination in just under two hours.

Unpacking and reorganizing donated clothes, medicine, vitamins, books, school supplies, etc at the San Serafin home.

We pulled into the secure courtyard of the San Serafin home, and upon unpacking, recited evening prayers and spent an hour before the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel. After Holy Hour, we ate dinner together, then Father Paschel went over the goal for the week: to grow as individuals in our relationship with Christ through our encounters with Him in the poor, in our community with each other, in the sacraments, and in prayer. Fr Paschel also discussed ground rules for the home, and the rough timeline/schedule for the next few days.

This evening after our taco-nacho delicious dinner, we bunked down our barracks-style rooms as rain pattered on the tin roof. By the time we settled in for the night, it felt late, and everyone was ready for bed - even though it was only 7:00 PM . Not sure if it was because of the time change (we are two hours behind eastern time zone), the busy day of travel, or because the sun sets around 6:30 PM here in Honduras.

Almost Time

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 21:01:00 +0000

The 2016 Mission Team is ready to go down to Honduras from July 9 - July 16. Last week, the mission team gathered at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church to pack donated clothes, toiletries, medicines, and other supplies that we will take with us down to Honduras next month. These items will be donated to our gracious hosts, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, and the poor they serve. We appreciate all our benefactors who donated money and goods. Though our bags are all packed, if you wish to make a financial donation, it is not too late. You may still make a check made out to "Mary Our Queen Catholic Church" with "Honduras" in the memo space, then send the check in to the parish office (6260 The Corners Parkway, Norcross, Georgia 30092). Any additional money collected will go directly to the Friary down in Honduras. Please keep us in your prayers, we will be praying for you.

L-R: Mark, Carey, and Tom take a break from packing suitcases to pose for a picture in the Trinity Building
on June 24, 2016

We're Heading home

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 12:17:00 +0000

Today we are heading home. It's been an awesome time. yesterday afternoon we took a hike up one of the mountains that surround Comayaguaa nd then into town for some ice cream. A nice way to end our time here.

Thank you for all of your support. Without you, this mission trip would not be possible.

God bless you.

A sunrise

overlooking Comayagua

Meghan, Paul and Patti

Hiking back

Susan and Alex

Deacon and Fr Paschal walking in town

The Old Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 12:08:00 +0000

While in Holy Hour, I am able to reflect on my day and my different encounters with the Honduran people.

An Icon hanging in a home

This morning, we brought Communion to an old woman, shriveled and shrunk with age and sickness. She lives in a tiny 3-walled cement room in the “backyard” of a home, with only a curtain separating her from the outside. Inside is a plastic chair, small table and a picture of Jesus and Mary on her cinder block wall. Since she is bedridden, the family brings her daily food and water.

After eight mission trips to Honduras, I’m embarrassed to admit that my Spanish is still almost nil. But I don’t need to speak since Father Pascal is quietly praying with her.

I gently help her sit up and then decide to sit next to her on her bed. While I’m near her, she holds my hand. Am I a comfort to her? I don’t know. But strangely enough, she is a comfort to me. I feel peaceful sitting next to her. I am hoping that on a basic level I am sharing Christ with her in that we are all brothers and sisters. We are bound to care for one another.

Being able to share the Eucharist with her in an extremely close and personal way was moving. Taking the time to be with the poor and understand that we are all human and need to be treated with dignity and respect is a lesson in humility. It also reminds me of what Jesus commanded us to do, “Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do onto me.”

Adoration

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 12:04:00 +0000

Adoration is my favorite time of the day. We have all returned from our various work projects, Communion calls, home visits, and children’s activities.

We go our separate ways in the morning; small groups head out in different directions tasked with their duties for the day. But in the late afternoon, we gather back as Casa Guadalupe, tired but anxious to share our experiences with one another.

At 5 o’clock, we have our daily holy hour called “Adoration”. We begin with group prayers and hymns and then we sit in silence before the Blessed Sacrament – praying, meditating, reading, journal writing, or just gazing at the Lord trying to be in deeper Communion with Him. There are two members of our group who play music and sing contemplate songs.

There is a contentment, a peace that surrounds me in a joy that fills my heart. Spending quiet time in prayer in is not always easy at home in the U.S. – noise of work, tv, different activities, family life, etc. seem to consume our day, with little time set aside for quiet prayer. Here, like the Friars, we are disciplined in our prayer life. We specifically set aside different times of the day to pray. Adoration is an opportunity to be intimate with the Lord and give him a chance to enter into our hearts.

I think we don’t realize how much we need this prayer time; how much our hearts desire – and God’s desire for us – of being opened up and to rest before Him.

Most times, the hour speeds by and then it is time for dinner. As St. John the Baptist said, “I must decrease, so He can increase.” I hope He has increased in me.

Our last day in Honduras

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 12:01:00 +0000

Dear Friends, Family and Benefactors,

We’re all tired but have had an experience of a life time. The teenagers with us have been awesome…hardworking and full of laughs and energy. It’s good to see that not all teenagers are self-absorbed. We can have great hope in our future with these kids.

Ben, Chris and Ben

Chris, Deacon Mike and Sarah

The team before we left Mary Our Queen last Sunday

Fr Youssef

A sweet couple who have been married 50 years

Meghan and Kathryn

While being in Honduras, we have met some of the most humble, joy-filled, beautiful people in the world. They don’t have much but they are rich in love and appreciation.

Mary with Sr Florencia

Deacon Mike with Lukas

Last night, Noe and his mother, two of his sisters, two brother-in-laws and little nephew, Lukas joined us for dinner last night and talent show. Their appreciation for our help building his house was humbling.

David and Elizabeth in their talent show skit

Noe telling us his appreciation for all we did

This morning some people went back to Dona Olga's house to finish a few things while the rest went to a girls' orphanage to play with the children and plant some trees.

Fr Paschal with a little girl from the orphanage

David

Digging holes to plant trees

Team work

A Day in the life of a Honduran missionary

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 12:22:00 +0000

We already incorporate our benefactors and family in our trip through our daily prayers but we would also like to take you through a day in the life of a Honduran missionary.

3:15 am : The hillside erupts in the patriotic Honduran song; the roosters.

Sunrise over the mountains

6:15 am : We awaken to the faint aroma of burning basura (trash) and the cacophony of birds, dogs, cars, an occasional fire cracker, and the never ending crow of the rooster.

6:30 am: Morning prayer begins with the rosary, liturgy of the hours, and Mass celebrated by one of the four Franciscan Friar priests.

8:00 Breakfast

8:45 am: We leave our casa and embark on the bumpy ride to our work site.

Casa Guadalupe

9:00 am: The typical workday includes shoveling, mixing, and cementing cement. Other common activities climbing include building roofs over a lady's piles and piles on rubbage. Some of the days’ less physical work includes communion calls, the kids’ lunch program and visiting the boys’ orphanage.

Elizabeth and Br Diego

Chris playing with neighborhood children

Franklin at Dona Olga's house

12:00 noon: Dirty and depleted of energy, we break for lunch and get an opportunity to interact with the crowds of children who gather to watch the Gringos work.

Mike, Len and John

4:00 pm: We return to the compound, on the brink of exhaustion, longing for the cold water of our showers and rushing to be prepared for holy hour.

5:00 pm: Holy hour begins

6:00 pm: As guessed… holy hour ends.

6:30 pm: Famished we rush to the dining hall for a traditional Honduran supper.

7:30 pm: It’s game time baby!

9:00 pm: Night prayers during which we examine our consciences. Card games on the roof follow the conclusion of our day of prayer.

10:00 pm: Lights out as we sprawl out on multiple “mattresses” made of foam begging for even the slightest breeze to blow through the oven that we call a bedroom.

Buenos Noches,

Chris and Sarah

Year Two

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 11:49:00 +0000

Last year I came to Honduras and had an amazing mission, I can’t say this year has been better, but it’s been equally wonderful and God-filled. The biggest difference for me was coming in expecting the intense prayer life and looking forward to it! This changed my outlook on the week and has made me more positive.

Brother Gabriel gave a talk one night about love and said it was a great thing when we go from having to love and pray to God to wanting the relationship with him. Throughout the year leading up to my second mission I yearned for the daily mass and adoration; as Brother Gabriel said “when our desires are not satisfied they grow stronger” hence my great excitement leading up to this peaceful week where you can leave behind your worries and focus solely on your work and relationship with the Lord.

Benediction with Deacon Michael

Last year we were blessed with a very challenging work project that lasted the entire week and that is all we saw; this year there have been 2-4 things going on at any given time giving you a variety to choose from. On Monday I was able to visit the beautiful orphanage and while doing hard work, develop relationships with the kids and young adults. Tuesday I choose to help with Noe’s new house and mixed cement, dug a sewage trench, and met a beautiful 5 year old girl named Josebelle who after introductions she showed me every piece of her school work, her drawings, and her mom’s notes. After a while we became friends and she even went to the streets local pulperia and bought me a fried soybean and hotsauce snack, and later a piece of of gum. She was a reminder from God to be thankful for my schooling and being as excited about every part of it as she was.

Friday I finally went to Doña Olga’s house and was overwhelmed by the amount of junk she has everywhere. She could be on ‘buried alive’ the show about hoarders, she has so many piles of junk. Still, throughout the day she attempted to converse with me with her best English and told us of her travels and boyfriends. She helped me to remember to be thankful for my possessions and when I return home, to clean my room.

Dona Olga and the team working at her home

Overall this week has been even more special because of all the people I’ve met, in our mission group, the beautiful Honduran people, and my friends and family around me. I have seen their compassion, donations, love for Christ and his people, and I hope to take a piece of Honduras with me in my heart. Anne Frank once said; “whoever is happy will make others happy too.” I hope my happiness from this trip will then create a chain of happiness back in Atlanta.

God is good!

Sarah

House blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 22:21:00 +0000

Today is the feast of St Sharbel (we didn't know who he was either until Fr Yousef, who is also Lebanese, celebrated a Maronite-rite Mass for us this morning). He is one of the greatest saints of Lebanon, priest and monk. He lived 23 years in a hermitage. Many miracles have been attributed to him (http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=534)

The Maronite-rite Mass was very beautiful. It's different and yet the same.

Passing the peace is done person to person

After a quick breakfast we left to pick up four Missionaries of Charity sisters and headed to a barrio (neighborhood) about 20 minutes away. We started with Mass and confession for the local people and then split into two groups to bless the houses.

The first house we went to, Fr Yousef brought communion for a woman who has breast cancer. He blessed her with a relic of St Sharbel and then blessed her home. Many of the people had tears (including some of us).

Fr Yousef

The love of neighbor that the Hondurans have is striking. It's not like anything we've seen in USA. All of the people walked from house to house to have their house blessed.

One group

It's a beautiful country and a blessing to just walk around going house to house.

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 12:11:00 +0000

The team finished the concrete floor at Noe’s house. This was unbelievably a tough job under the hot Honduran sun. This team worked really hard with not a complaint.

Chris, Susan, Br Gabriel, and John mixing concrete

The team ready to leave for Noe's house

Once this group finished the floor, they went to La Granja (the boys’ orphanage) to plant some more trees. They were able to play a bit with the boys.

Thursday was the last day for the Cenacolo lunch program. This team did some home visits of the families of the program as well as walked through the barrio to bring communion to some of the shut ins.

These children can really eat

Fr Paschal with some of the children

Ben being served

David and Mary being served

Fr Yousef doing communion rounds with Ben and David stopped by Noe's house

Thursday's team and Noe and some of his family as well as some local Hondurans who helped

The team is tired but happy.

John and Mike with a concerned new friend

Chris resting between work job sites

Lumber Yard & Good Samaritans

noreply@blogger.com (Patti) — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:47:00 +0000

As others in our group worked on Miss Olga’s fence today, Fr. Rich and I went to the lumber yard to get all the lumber needed to rebuild the structure behind her house. It was a lot of lumber – three 4x4 posts, two 15’ 2x4s, and sixteen 12’ 2x4s.

Lumber yard

We got the lumber, and immediately a problem became evident. Father has only one rope in the truck, and it certainly didn’t seem sufficient to tie down the heavy load. The lumber had to be put on the truck diagonally from the top of the cab down to the tailgate, which made it pretty easy for it to slide off. The lumber yard guys tied it up with our rope and assured us that we would make it.

Approximately ¼ of a mile later, people started honking and yelling at us. Four of our 2x4s had fallen off in the middle of a busy road. We immediately pulled over and ran back (dodging traffic) to get the boards. Now what?

Almost immediately a truck pulled up, and three young Honduran guys jumped out to help. As one of the guys and I struggled to hold all the lumber from sliding off the truck, the other two guys grabbed some rope from their truck and tied the lumber down even more tightly (using some ingenious knots). We thanked them greatly and tried to give them some money for helping us and giving us their rope, but they refused to take it and simply wished us luck and headed off.

We then drove about a mile, and another board worked its way out into the middle of a street. Once again came the honking. I jumped out, grabbed the board and stuck it back under the rope.

About 100 yards away was a hardware store. So, we drove there slowly, and once again somebody immediately came out to help. We tied the load down even more securely, and the gentleman helping us built a small net/parachute out of strong bags (the kind that probably help rocks or something of that sort in them), and he put it around the ends of the boards and tied its ends to the truck. It was an awesome way to hold the timber from sliding backwards.

After that we were able to drive up the steep roads to Miss Olga’s without any additional mishaps. Once there, we discovered that much of the fence was done, and that a good bit of welding had been done by a Honduran welder who volunteered much of his day to help us. Yet another Good Samaritan.

Dona Olga

A local man stopped by to help

Elizabeth

Paul and Meghan

In retrospect, it was a wonderful day! We had a few setbacks, but we really got to see the compassion and generosity of the Honduran people. I can’t help but wonder if people would have pulled over to help us if we had lost our lumber on a busy road in Atlanta. Or, would people pass by too busy to help? I hope they would stop. All I know is that I’m going to try harder to be more helpful to people in distress in the future. I need to pay it forward, I think!

Matthew