The Word of God on this 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time shows us the freedom that God has given us in his infinite mercy. This freedom allows us to decide whom we will serve. Realizing that true life is in God, we will decide to serve Him, but not we alone, but also our family, so that together we can taste and see how good the Lord is. After spending the past weekend with you, I have been able to see that the family of faith at St. Martin also serves the Lord with joy and enthusiasm. This big community reminds me of my small community where I grew up in faith. I grew up in the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel of the St. Joaquim and St. Anna Parish in the town of Adjuntas, in the center of Puerto Rico, up in the mountains. There, together with my family, I served the Lord with the lectors, Communion Ministers, the Daughters of Mary, the youth group, and participating in plays at every Christmas, Lent, and special occasion. This community, like St. Martin, is a family.
After completing my university studies in Hispanic Studies, I entered the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Fatima in 2011 to give my life to God in favor of families, and thus continue the mission entrusted to our founder Mother Dominga to “Bring Christ to the family and the family to Christ.” Together with the Sisters, I have collaborated in the mission in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and the United States, supporting youth groups, faith formation, the sick, family ministry, and accompaniment. I also had the blessing of earning a college degree in Applied Leadership from Boston College, thanks to Catholic Extension.
These past four years, I have been collaborating at an institute in Puerto Rico dedicated to religious-social work, supporting mental health, vocational education, and accompanying families. I have especially worked with victims of domestic violence and the prevention of child abuse and mistreatment. In this institute, the sisters seek to bring the love of God to where there is the most pain.
Today, God calls us to decide who we want to serve. Let us make the decision to serve Him, with whom we will have true life. Thank you for your welcome, for every greeting, smile, and friendly word. I hope that we can walk together as a parish family to generously serve God.
Quelques mots en français: Aujourd’hui, Dieu nous invite à décider qui nous voulons servir. Disons comme Josué, ma famille et moi servirons le Seigneur. Merci pour votre joyeux accueil. Continuons de célébrer notre foi en louant Dieu qui vit en nous.
Dios los bendiga, God bless you, Dieu vous bénisse tous,
Sor M Yelitza
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