Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website
Seminarians from St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach embarked on an Advent mission to the Dominican Republic's mountains from December 10 to 17. This marks the second occasion they have traveled there, aiming to cultivate a missionary heart.
Father Dominic Buckley, a teacher at St. Vincent de Paul and a priest from the Diocese of Orlando, emphasized the importance of priests having "a missionary spirit, a missionary heart, and to understand how to be close to the people, even when you don’t speak their language." He added that "your closeness allows God’s spirit to bring a greater communion of faith and joy."
During their stay, the seminarians resided in a mission house and participated in local activities such as the coffee harvest. They visited schools for Mass celebrations and prayed at cemeteries. Father Buckley explained that this was meant "to show the seminarians how the priest has to be a part of all the ages and stages of life from womb to tomb."
The group conducted Mass in seven villages and celebrated on Our Lady of Guadalupe's feast day. Two priests accompanying them offered penance services and Eucharistic Adoration. In one village, they performed a skit titled “The Good Carpenter,” illustrating "the diversity of gifts and getting along," according to Father Buckley.
Seminarian Joshua Theisen from St. Matthew Parish in Winter Haven noted that despite language barriers, villagers were welcoming. He remarked, “This was a new experience. My biggest takeaway is the idea that you need to put yourself out there and offer yourself to the Lord."
By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, December 18, 2024