Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Members of Cristo Rey Parish in Lincoln recently returned from their third mission trip to Mexico, where they presented retreats. Parishioner Blanca Fowler said the idea for the mission began six years ago.

“Our Cristo Rey group ‘La Guadalupana’ was having its weekly meeting of prayer and study when Ricardo Vazquez from Crete shared his idea,” she recalled. “He said, ‘In my hometown in Mexico, almost no one goes to Mass anymore. We should go to Mexico and give a retreat.’” After much discussion, prayer, and discernment, Fowler said they felt called to undertake the mission.

The team formed and began preparations, including fundraising efforts to cover expenses such as renting a large tent, tables and chairs, sound equipment, copies, and food. A year later, the group arrived at La Haciendita for their first mission trip. The experience proved fruitful as many people attended the retreat and returned to attending Mass.

“Many of God’s children came back to the house of the Father,” Fowler said.

Three priests from the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln joined the most recent trip: Father Rafael Rodriguez, Father Christopher Barak, and Father Bernard Lorenz. They accompanied 14 laypeople – one bringing her baby along.

“With love and hope,” Fowler said, “each of us paid for our own plane ticket.”

During this trip, two retreats focused on liberation and healing were held in poor mountainous areas with 600 attendees each.

“During the retreat days,” Father Barak noted, “people lined up in front of me for many hours to receive prayers... They begged for God to deliver them from evil spirits.” He added that participants expressed gratitude after receiving prayers.

Father Lorenz described witnessing powerful expressions of faith during confessions as a touching experience. He emphasized sharing messages about joy and hope versus despair.

Father Rodriguez highlighted local hospitality: “They truly opened their homes and hearts to us.”

Fowler reflected on the intensity of their experiences: “We loved the people of God... We danced, sang and cried together.” Several towns have invited them back next year.

After two weeks on mission, the group visited Mexico City’s Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. They also met with Bishop Juan Manuel Mansilla Sanchez in Texcoco. Donations for future missions are accepted at Cristo Rey Parish.