In Rome

Our stay in Rome was so unbelievably blessed even though I was sick in bed the last few days of our trip, I was still able to see and pray at almost all the major sites, just to name a few, St. Peters, St. Mary Majors, St. Paul Outside the Wall, St. John Lateran, St. Lawrence Outside the Wall, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, the Vatican Gardens, Scavi tour we even took g a day trip to Assis with a priest friend of ours(Padre Pablo from Cordoba) who is working in Rome. We attended mass with the Missionaries of Charity on several occasions, visited the convent where St. Rafaela lived and her body still remains uncorrupt, and many other places, and then had the grand privilege of attending to unveiling of the statue. It was an incredibly blessed event where we came within less than 5 feet of our Holy Father Pope Benedict the XVI. A very very special thanks to all of you who were so generous and made it possible for me to be there, it was a blessing not only for me, but also for Kate and Marcos.

Welcome to Rome

A view from the top of St. Peters

Missionaries of Charity Chapel

In Assis with Padre Pablo

Looking at the incorrupt body of St. Rafaela

The incorrupt body of St. Rafaela

Marcos speaks before the unveiling

The Popes arrival

the statue is unveiled as Pope Benedict XVI says the blessing

What does it mean to be a missionary in Spain?

It is a mission that has taken us all by surprise, constantly changing and growing, and moving in ways we were not expecting.  Its more than just proclaiming the faith, teaching catechism, singing at communions, giving talks, and attending retreats, but about something much more. Its about being who we are-lay Catholics-in everyday situations and bringing Jesus into them, whether its helping out a beggar on the street or attending a friends dinner. Its about rising above and ignoring what the world tells us and instead finding real truth, taking it, living it, and showing others how too. It’s about making real and lasting friendships with the people here. It’s about walking down the street smiling, being generous, and showing kindness to strangers. Its about truly living out our Catholic faith day to day as is should be lived; helping others find meaning in this crazy life and discovering the most precious treasure being offered to us-Hope and new life in Christ!

Making new friends

At the wedding of one of our best friends in Spain

Catholic Action Group

giving testimony at a friends youth group

Navidad en Novembre

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trust worthy. Only let every one lead the life which the Lord has assigned to him, and in which God has called him. Do nothing from selfishness of conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others. Do all things without grumbling or questioning that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you shine as lights in the world, holing fast to the word of LIFE so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” (1Cor. 4:1-2,6:17)(Phil.2:3-4.14-16)