We welcomed the Missionaries on Sunday and bade farewell on Saturday at the 7:30am Mass. When Sr. Mary Aloysius asked me to say Mass for them, I said, anything for the Missionaries. Deuteronomy 26 was the assigned scripture reading and the opening lines sounded familiar, “this day or today.” As they headed back to school after a deeply spiritual spring break in a border town, I prayed that the experience, the journey, the trip and the break from routine would be a new beginning - fresh with opportunities to tie, to tune and to reboot their souls to God. I hope that their short stay (only a week) with us in Loretto School and the greater  Catholic Community in Douglas y Pueblo Nuevo was spiritually uplifting and nourishing. I am aware of the enormous sacrifices made, notwithstanding months of logistical and spiritual preparation involved in this mission trip. They could have gone somewhere and elsewhere but they chose us, this little town (in the eyes of many) to share their experiences, to evangelize, to spread the good news to the younger generation, among others. There's something about Steubenville. I wish I have a video of the Festival of Praise. 

Dear Missionaries, we may not remember everything you said but we won't forget how you made us feel. We are eternally grateful for your kindness, cheerfulness, warmth, faith, joy and love. Amen.