From March 11th to 18th, 2025, a remarkable group of 37 students in Grades 11 and 12 at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario accompanied by six dedicated chaperones, Don, Aidan, Ernestina, Melody, Juliet and myself, embarked on a life-changing outreach mission to San Jose de Ocoa in the Dominican Republic. Their destination: two remote, mountainous villages where two families in desperate need awaited the gift of new homes, built not just with hands but with hearts overflowing with faith, love and service.
Throughout this sacred journey, these young men and women, along with their animators, truly embodied the mind and heart of Jesus. Leaving behind the comforts of home, they embraced the simplicity of village life, living among the people, working tirelessly under the sun, and sharing in the daily joys and struggles of those they came to serve. Each brick laid, each wall raised, was not merely an act of construction but a testament to faith in action—a witness to the transforming power of selfless love.
The students exemplified a remarkable blend of human and divine virtues, displaying inspiring and exemplary conduct. Their openness to adapting to any situation, unwavering diligence, grounded humility, and deep commitment to prayer were evident throughout the journey. They demonstrated impeccable discipline, a strong sense of solidarity, and a profoundly caring nature. Their wholehearted dedication to the cause and active engagement reflected not only their respect for the dignity of every individual but also their innate simplicity and humility. These qualities speak volumes about the school’s ethos and leadership, underscoring the institution’s strong emphasis on character formation and values-driven education. Truly, they are a source of inspiration.
But beyond the physical labor, what truly moved the hearts of the villagers was the deep human connection that blossomed. The group did not just build houses; they built relationships. They listened to stories of hardship and hope, they played with children whose laughter became the soundtrack of their days, and they prayed daily with the families, gathering as one Eucharistic community. The Holy Mass, celebrated in the heart of the village, became a sacred moment of communion—where cultures, languages, and backgrounds melted away, and only the presence of Christ remained.
A particularly profound moment was the distribution of rosaries. For many villagers, these were not just beads but treasures beyond measure, tangible reminders of God’s love and protection. The gratitude of the people was overwhelming, expressed not in grand speeches but in tear-filled eyes and quiet embraces. It was a gratitude that spoke of something deeper—a recognition that what they received was not merely material but spiritual, a sign that they were seen, known, and loved by God. As the students and chaperones returned home, they carried with them far more than memories. They returned with transformed hearts, a deeper understanding of the Gospel call to serve, and a renewed commitment to live as Christ’s hands and feet in the world. For in giving, they received. In serving, they were served. And in loving, they encountered the living presence of Jesus among the least. This mission was not just a trip; it was an encounter with grace. It was a lesson that love knows no borders, that faith is most alive when put into action, and that true joy is found not in what we keep but in what we give away. As part of Holy Cross Family Ministries Canada, I was blessed to accompany this DREAMS group, being part of each moment of the entire trip and witnessing firsthand how both the group and the local community deeply valued and appreciated the Eucharist and sacramental life.
Their love for spiritual nourishment and their respect for the Rosary reaffirmed the importance of sharing the resources and mission of HCFM, strengthening families, young people and communities through faith and prayer. May the seeds planted in this journey continue to bear fruit, inspiring others to step out in service, faith and love, bringing the light of Christ to the ends of the earth, especially to the poor and the marginalized.
Fr. Shaji M. L, C.S.C.
