Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Students, staff, and an alumnus from the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in Melbourne embarked on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic during Holy Week. The group, led by Legionaries of Christ Father Randall Meissen, engaged in various activities in the town of La Cucarita, including working on the aqueduct and participating in religious rituals.

Alumnus Alexis Hopkins, who felt compelled to return to the Dominican Republic after a previous mission trip, emphasized the importance of community during their time in La Cucarita. She reflected, "If I learned one lesson during the week, it was community."

Father Meissen echoed Hopkins' sentiments, highlighting the strong sense of communion and community they experienced in La Cucarita. He noted, "It was very powerful to be working shoulder to shoulder with the community. It was impressive to see every household benefiting from the (aqueduct) project was part of the work force."

During their mission, the group engaged in a symbolic act of washing the feet of the community on Holy Thursday. Father Meissen described the significance of this ritual, stating, "The feet of the community tell a story of lots of walking across dusty and rocky paths." He observed that many children in the community traverse these paths in flip flops or sandals, reflecting the challenges they face in their daily lives.

Father Meissen expressed his hope that the mission trip would provide the participants with a broader perspective on service and the needs of communities outside their own. He aimed to expand their understanding of living out their faith beyond the confines of their familiar environment.

The journey to the Dominican Republic allowed the FIT students and staff to immerse themselves in a different culture, engage in meaningful service work, and deepen their sense of community and compassion for others.

This news report is based on a staff report dated April 04, 2024.