Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Jesús “Nilson” Delgado and Manuel “Yadir” Díaz Santos, both deacons from the Dominican Republic, recently attended their first diaconate retreat in Florida. The event, held from April 25 to 27, was transformative for the deacons who are dedicated to serving communities in the central mountain range of their homeland.

During the retreat, Deacon Yadir and his wife, Denia, stayed with Deacon Angelo Guevara and his wife, Sorelena, while Deacon Nilson and his wife, Yoselin, were hosted by Deacon Miguel and Maira. Over the weekend, they participated in Mass and celebrations, toured the mission office, and attended a luncheon with Bishop John Noonan.

Yoselin expressed her initial doubts about leaving home for the retreat. However, she found a renewed commitment: “I learned, as the wife of a deacon, I have assumed a commitment out of love. As the Bible says, ‘What you receive by grace, you will also share by grace.’” She emphasized the role of prayer and domestic responsibilities in supporting her husband’s mission.

Deacon Nilson was deeply moved by the camaraderie during the retreat. “There was a shared diaconal family,” he noted emotionally. Reflecting on the journey, he and Yadir were reminded of the sacrifices made by past missioners. They were inspired by Pope Francis’s vision of clergy work on the margins: “The priest who does not have dust on his shoe is not a good priest.”

Serving for almost seven years, Deacon Yadir shared how his perception of the diaconate has evolved. The retreat reinforced his commitment, saying, “We see that in the diaconal family there are three persons: the deacon, his wife, and God at the center.” Denia also recognized her supportive role as crucial to their work in evangelization.

The deacons serve nine communities in Las Lomas and Las Lajas, often stepping in for absent priests. Their efforts include frequent visits and conducting Baptisms. “This is a life of self-giving,” Deacon Yadir stated, emphasizing listening and connection. “Pope Francis calls us to listen from the silence.”

The retreat also provided a sense of community. Previously isolated, the deacons now look forward to visits from peers who will witness the conditions they work in. “Their support sustains us going forward,” Deacon Yadir remarked.

Their hosts, like Deacon Miguel, were inspired by their dedication: “They live a diaconate in action, in thanksgiving, in spending themselves for their communities.” The retreat highlighted the selfless commitment of the deacons from the Dominican Republic and the mutual inspiration exchanged between visitors and hosts.