In order to be formed in the charism and to become familiar with the various projects

From July 1st to the 15th, 2018 in San Pedro Sula (for the second consecutive year) the members of the Interprovincial Internal Seminary (CLAPVI North) and the young men from the St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Tegucigalpa (province of St. Vincent de Paul – Spain) gathered together.

One of the purposes of this gathering was to familiarize ourselves with the social projects that are sponsored by the Region of Honduras and by the Foundation of Vincentian Social Works (OSOVI) in San Pedro Sula. Another objective of the gathering was to continue our formation in the charism. Give the diversity of nationalities but knowing that we are all from the same root, namely, people who embrace the spirituality and the charity of Vincent de Paul, and knowing that we speak the same language, namely, the language of love that is characteristic of every Vincentian missionary, it was important that we were able to share our various experiences with one another. 

As we have already stated, we had many different reasons for gathering together. It could be said that the first week was one of interaction and dialogue as well as a time of Vincentian formation. A representative of OSOVI explained in a detailed manner the various works that are carried out in multiple centers. There were also presentations on the Christology of Vincent de Paul, interculturalism as a call and a perspective for the mission, Vincentian priesthood and the Vincentian missionary. These various presentations were given by various Vincentian priests: Ivan Juarros (Province of Zaragoza), Rosendo Martínez (Province of Mexico) … both from the local community in Puerto Cortés.

During the first week there was an opportunity to visit the various social projects, for example, la Casa Buen Samaritano (Good Samaritan House) for persons with chronic and terminal diseases, the farm for the rehabilitation of alcoholics, the home for children, the home for teenagers, the home for girls, the hospice San José, the home for the elderly. All of those works are sponsored by OSOVI. We also visited the program, amigo para siempre (friends forever) and los cursos ingles (English courses) that are administered by the Province of Saint Vince de Paul – Spain, Region of Honduras.

Not everything, however, was formation and/or pastoral ministry. The first week concluded with a visit to some of the historical places in the city and spending some time on the beach (in the community of Baja Mar, Puerto Cortés).

The second week was dedicated to giving missions in the different communities of Merendón. We went forth in groups of two (mixed nationalities) and as a result the experience of mission was very enriching and beneficial for all involved. Some things that were essential in all of this: listening to and supporting the ideas of the community council, promoting the child campaign (promoting values in the schools), meeting with the teenagers and the children and visiting the homes of the people in the various communities. We were involved in various matters that the leaders of these communities presented to us as being important for the success of the mission.

This experience has taught us lessons for our life and has helped us to be more sensitive to the needs and the reality of those persons who are poor. We hope to continue to make ourselves pleasing to God as we serve Jesus in the person of those persons who are most needy. We also pray that our thoughts, words and actions might always respond to God’s will.

By: Junior Omar Martínez
Source: http://misionerospaules.org

Translated:
Charles T. Plock, CM
Eastern Province, USA