Testimony of the National Mission – VMY Dominican Republic
“More than giving, I received: God made Himself present in the mission”
Today I want to share a little bit of what I experienced during the mission in historic La Isabela, in Luperón, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic—the small community where I was assigned.
To be honest, my plan wasn’t to go on mission. My intention was to stay in my parish during this Holy Week. During this Lenten season, through an app, I was meditating on some very beautiful texts, and the prayer we were focusing on daily was: “Lord, empty me, fill me, use me.” What I did not imagine was that this prayer would become so real and alive in my life during this Holy Week. While I was on my way to our destination, this was what I kept repeating.
More than going to give, I went to receive—as always, God pouring out His love. I received sincere smiles, hugs full of love, a living testimony of God’s love, selfless care, and a simple yet steadfast faith that touched my heart. Amid so many different realities, I could see God present in every person, in every family that opened their home to us, in Doña Ana, Janet, and Cristóbal, who give themselves unconditionally to our church. It is so wonderful to see how our faith is truly ONE wherever we are; it always comes alive. Coordinating the Masses with my team and fully immersing myself in the liturgy of the celebrations was truly a gift.
This mission reminded me that charity is the most beautiful way to give ourselves to others, and that it is essential for a Christian, because everything is based on that: giving ourselves to our neighbor with sincere love. As St. Vincent de Paul said, it is not just about giving, but about giving oneself with love, and I have learned, during these long years in VMY, to be happy and fulfilled in giving of myself; sometimes one loses perspective and seeks happiness in earthly things. I understood that Gospel passage even more deeply: “Freely you have received; freely give” (Mt 10:8). I always keep it in mind, because no matter how difficult the process may be, we always receive in abundance.
I leave with a full heart and the desire to continue serving, because when we give from love, God always makes Himself present.
Daniela Díaz H.
Asaf Community VMY San José Obrero
