Hello friends! Praying for God’s blessings on all of you from Annotto Bay.
Friday
We had the joy of visiting May River primary school (also in the Blue Mountains) and did another day of firsts — Mass and Adoration, both framed by teaching our, “Jesus, Bread of Life” program.
These children were so attentive and willing to share what came to mind for them during the various times of prayer throughout the morning. And we even had a few special guests join us at the school: Mary and baby Jesus, then Jesus #1, Jesus #2, and Jesus #3!
On this mission, we wanted to highlight some very importance aspects of the Eucharist — that this “bread” is meant for us to consume, that it is gift and miracle meant to nourish us, that it truly Christ’s body, and that the blessing/breaking of it recapitulates Christ’s sacrifice on the cross as well as the graces won from it.
To do this, Father elaborated that not only was Jesus was born in “the house of bread,” but Mary also placed him in a manger — which was actually a trough, a tray that held food for animals to eat from. Jesus #1 represented Jesus multiplying just a few loaves to feed the five thousand. Jesus #2 represented Jesus at the Last Super when he incorporated the Eucharist by celebrating the passover, telling his disciples to “Take and eat, this is my Body…” Jesus #3 represented Jesus on the cross, when he died for the forgiveness of our sins.
In a very special way Fr. Herald explained that as an ordained priest, when he says the words of Jesus, the bread offered at Mass becomes the body of Jesus Christ and Jesus is fully present (body, blood, soul and divinity) at every Mass.
Saturday
We broke into 3 teams to do home visits — visiting those who have fallen away from the faith or those whose health prevent them from attending Mass). This was another first for Frassati Missions in Jamaica. We can all agree that after covid in 2020 many things have changed. There have been numerous Catholic Churches that have seen a decrease in Mass attendance, it was no different at St. Theresa Parish.
The goal of our home visits was to reminded those we visited that they are missed and loved, they are not forgotten, and that they are part of a church family who is always awaiting their return with open arms. While on these home visits, it was wonderful to hear the parishioners stories of what they remember of St. Theresa parish, to meet other members of their families, and to pray together.
Work Project
Some folks may recall that last June 2023, we came to Jamaica for a men’s demo project — they demolished an old guest house, which was deteriorating (you can see photos from past posts on Instagram). Through your generosity and your prayers, we are going to be funding the construction and material of a new “mission house”. The new building will be able to house more missionary groups as well as other guests/programs so St. Theresa can further expand how it serves the community of Annotto Bay. We began phase 1 this mission, with the reconfiguring of a new bathroom including all new tile, fixtures etc. An especially big thank you to the female missionaries at the convent who have been so patient and joyful despite having lost water on several occasions!
You all are in our prayers.
Please pray for us, this mission, and the people of Annotto Bay.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati,
Pray for us!
Frassati Missions 