Dominican Republic
As a missionary, in our Villaregia communities in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, we often welcome young people eager to experience a short mission. I share with you the story of Gabriela M. Morales Reyes, a Puerto Rican who served in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic.
The story of Gabriela M. Morales Reyes
I wish to share what I experienced during this mission, as this is my second experience, having lived the first in the summer of 2024.
A summary that touches every detail is the word love, because that is exactly what I experienced. Not a single day went by without me feeling loved.
Every day was an answer of love from Jesus: in every welcoming gesture, in community fraternity, in the companionship of each group member, and even in pain, I felt deeply loved.
Every day I had personal encounters with Jesus: from His tabernacle in the host house, in the smile of every child, in looking at myself in the mirror, in warm embraces, in the daily celebration of Mass, in reflection, in His Word, during daily transit, in His creation, and especially in every person visited.
During this mission experience, I also had to face the physical loss of my paternal grandfather. Regarding that grief, I can express the peace I felt for having cherished the time spent with him, and how Jesus Himself allowed me to heal that wound.
I also experienced doubt, uncertainty, and fear. This fear arose partly from the task of leading an entire Liturgy of the Word, where I did not feel worthy of such a great privilege that Jesus granted me to live.
From this experience, I take with me deep gratitude, not only for the freedom received, but also for the grace and blessing of welcoming Him and knowing Him more each day.
The encounter with Materma
Among many encounters, one touched me deeply. A lady named Materma welcomed us on the porch of her home in a wheelchair and shared her reality: for six years, due to a fall, she has been unable to feed herself and depends on what neighbors or visitors bring her to eat.
This story left a lasting mark on me—an invitation to keep giving thanks and living with intentionality, knowing there are people who must always remain in our conscience.
A time of grace and awakening
It was also a time to reflect and disconnect, despite the service, dedication, and fatigue, because here I learned to live and bring life simply by being present, listening, and being there.
It was also an opportunity to appreciate those who were far away, like my family.
It was a journey of revelation and awakening that removed the veil from my eyes and heart, helping me realize how blessed I am to have all basic resources, not to mention all the graces God our Father has bestowed upon me.
In summary, it was a time of grace, deepening faith, and personal encounter.
Photo by Gabriela M. Morales Reyes
