Katherine and then Jessica tell us with emotion about the extraordinary experience of four days of Youth Mission: as St. Jeanne Antide used to say, ‘When God calls and you listen to Him, He provides everything you need,
‘During the Friends of Saint Jeanne Antide Youth Vocational Mission, for four days, I was blessed with an unforgettable experience in the heart of Paraguay, participating in a Catholic mission in the small community of Maria Antonia, followed by a half-day in the city of Carapeguéá.
During this time I was able to immerse myself in the lives of people who, despite the difficulties, live with a deep faith and an immense love for their community and for God.
María Antonia: a place full of hope and fraternity
María Antonia is a small town located in the department of Paraguari, Paraguay, which stands out for its natural beauty, but above all for the warmth of its people. When we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms.
The Sisters of Charity, who lead the mission in the region, showed us the true face of generosity and Christian service. These sisters, who are committed to education and care for the needy, guided us during our stay, teaching us that the true mission is not just about giving, but also about learning, listening and sharing.
During our days there, we participated in various activities of evangelisation, accompanying children and families, and visiting the homes of the most vulnerable. Each encounter reminded us of the beauty of selfless service and the power of solidarity in Christ.
The people of María Antonia are incredibly warm and their faith is unwavering. In every smile, in every word, we felt the presence of God at work in their lives.
The Sisters of Charity showed us how the mission is carried out in practice. Through catechetical activities and support to families, especially mothers and children, the sisters work tirelessly to sow hope and love in the community.
We were deeply impressed by the simplicity and humility with which the Sisters carry out their vocation. Not only do they teach the Word of God, but they are also fundamental pillars in the emotional and spiritual accompaniment of the people.
A day in Carapeguá: the warmth of the people
After a few days in María Antonia, we left for Carapeguá, a nearby town known for its Catholic tradition and its connection with the surrounding rural communities.
We spent half a day there, where we were able to learn more about the social and spiritual realities of the region.
Despite being a bigger town than María Antonia, Carapeguá retains the same spirit of community and faith. The people of Carapeguá also welcomed us with a special warmth, showing us that although the urban realities may be different, the mission of the Church is the same: to be close to those most in need and to bring the love of Christ to every corner.
During our visit to Carapeguá, we had the opportunity to interact with members of the local parish, who shared with us their efforts to improve the lives of families in their community. As in María Antonia, the Church is very involved in education and social assistance, seeking to transform realities through charitable and evangelising action.
Katherine M., Fernando de la Mora, Paraguay
