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Last weekend I went on a surprise visit to Mexico to our Mission Cenaculo de Guadalupe. It was a really special time. It was nice to return to the mission after  almost 3 years and to see how many things had changed, but most of all to see how many more children we have there. The children that were there three years ago have really gotten big. I spent there three full days, really busy days. (See some more photos)
One of the reasons I went was to look at a few properties close by the area. We have wanted for a long time to open a house that welcomes young men who have a problem with addiction. We have had many requests since we have been in Mexico, but it has never been the right property! We know what is right for the needs of the Community. There are many Mexican young men in Cenacolo in different houses in Europe and here in the U.S.
After traveling all day on bumpy roads to search with a local friend of the Community, we have found a site with a house in good condition a nice track of land with a soccer field, water, and power. In rural areas it seems to be unusual to have the water and power. The house is very simple, nothing fancy, which is just right for us. It seems to be an ideal location. After the first look at the house, we returned the next day with a group of people from the Community. We said a few prayers, threw some miracles medals in the property, and prayed to our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego to intercede for us if it is the right one. Now we will see what God wants. He will show us.
In the meantime, life at the mission is going well. It is nice to see that our children who live the Community life start with prayer in the chapel at 6 in the morning just like in all our houses. Then they go to school, do homework, and play sports. The older ones work in the garden, wood shop, and metal shop after school. Pretty much they live the Community schedule, and they respond very well. Then you see the love and patience and sacrifice of our missionaries and Sisters that are there to help, beginning their day at 5:20 in the chapel to pray their own morning prayers and condivide among themselves. They also plan their day before everyone is up. Then they all get together in chapel with the children to pray the Rosary. They do not have any time for themselves. Life is very busy between taking kids to school, working in the kitchen, doing house cleaning duty, laundry, taking kids to the doctor, and all the unpredictable that happen every day in our houses. Having time to speak with them, I realized how happy they are to give their life to these children and how important will be this time for their future.
Among them we have an American family that is doing a 9 month experience with their three kids that are 7,4, and 2 years of age. The wife is the sister of our Sister Jennifer. So far, after the normal struggle to adjust to Community life and language, they really fit in the Community and their kids love it!
One the highlights of the trip was going to the Basilica of Guadalupe on my way to airport. After fighting the chaotic traffic of Mexico city, I was able to spend some time there in front of the tilma and pray for all of you there!
As soon as I got back, I jumped into our reality here in Florida. It is always great to come back home. We had been very busy rehearsing for the International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec. We are very happy that Father Andrea, one of our Community priests, will come with two of our religious sisters, Sister Susan and Sister Rosangela. After three days here in Florida, they will join us in Quebec for all the events there. We are waiting for them with a lot of joy. Every time someone from the Community comes from overseas it is always a blessed time. They bring the live spirit of Cenacolo that sometimes we struggle to live in the faraway houses, because we cannot be with Mother Elvira, to listen to her and to our priests, and to be a part of the special joy of our Sisters. We are grateful to be with them here and in Canada!
Also coming with us to Canada are the newlyweds Jonathan and Jenny. Sean and Elaine are going to see if they can come and Vincenzo and Kim and their kids are coming. Plus we have some Cenacolo families coming to Quebec. The families of Region 1 and 2 will meet us in Manchester, NH on June17. We will have lunch there, and then some of the families will drive us to the city of Quebec! Come join us if you can. This is the first time that we take a bunch of our guys to something like this! Please keep us in your prayers!
Grazie
Ciao
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