My Heavenly Father gave me the privilege of going on mission for the second time during Holy Week. On this occasion, the mission took place in the city of Lago Agrio. At all times, I felt how our Mother Mary wrapped us in her mantle and her love, helping us say “yes” to God’s call.

Starting on Holy Monday, we began visiting houses door to door. We listened to people’s stories, their struggles, and also their joys. We were guided by the materials, but above all by the heart, trying to bring God’s message to each family. For three days, we visited the three communities assigned to us.

On Thursday, we began the most intense days. Together with my mission companion, I led two foot-washing celebrations. On Friday, we held the Way of the Cross with the community. We invited people to participate by reading the Gospel and we also carried out the veneration of the cross. Although we had to shorten some parts due to time and community activities, we always tried to adapt and accompany them in the best way possible.

On Saturday, we gathered in the chapel to accompany Mary in her sorrow and to celebrate the blessing of the fire, always seeking to live the moment in faith.

Something that deeply marked my heart was seeing that in all three communities there was a shared fear: fear of marriage. Many couples had been together for years, with children, but did not dare to take that step. We saw very united families, full of love, who support one another and live a true sense of community.

This mission taught me to listen, serve, and trust God more. It reminded me that even in the midst of difficulties, God’s love is always present in every home. Throughout this mission, I understood that being a missionary is not only about speaking of God, but about learning to find Him in each person, in each family, and in each reality.

In every home we visited, we did not only bring a message, we also received something: stories, struggles, joys, and above all, much love. I realized that often we think we go to “give,” but in reality, God speaks to us through the people we meet along the way. I also learned to adapt, to understand that not everything goes as planned. There were moments when we had to shorten celebrations or change schedules, but even so, God was present, because in the end, it is not the perfection of the activities that matters, but the disposition of the heart.

This experience taught me to listen more, judge less, and serve with humility. It taught me that saying “yes” to God means leaving comfort behind, but also trusting that He guides every step. I carry with me the certainty that God is alive in every community, in every family, and in every small act of love.

Alisson Guzñay
Miraculous Youth