December Adventures

Wow...its December and tomorrow is Christmas Eve.  Time has just flown by this month and has been filled with many adventures, meetings, ministry opportunities, and of course celebrations.  I will let the photos do most of the talking to share some highlights of the past month.  

Lima: Gathered with Ronal, Manuel and Walter by the sea taking a nice walk after our National Pastoral Team meeting...so great to be united with folks from all over Peru working in Pastoral Ministry 

Lima:  Taking a moment to enjoy the Naval Park along the sea 

Trujillo:  Donny and I attended and renewed our commitments to our Lay Communities from afar at the Annual Trujillo CLM Commitment Mass....Ahava we are indeed united across borders  

Otuzco:  Fiesta de la Virgen de la Puerta, this feast of the Virgen de la Puerta is the biggest feast in Otuzco which happens December 15th...in days leading up to the bajada (lowering) of the Virgen and the dia principal (principal celebration day) pilgrims walk from Trujillo to Otuzco a more than 18 hour journey on foot 

Otuzco: The fiesta draws people from all over the region and the country, including folks who sell their artesenia 

 Otuzco: The church houses candles of all shapes and sizes during the feast, which are stuck to the floor of the church by just melting the bottom so that the candles of the devotos can flicker their light of prayer to the Lord 

Otuzco: One of the processions of the Virgen...in this feast day she is carried by a group of men and women of the Hermandad of Our Lady 

Otuzco: As tres obras (three works) of Marianists in Otuzco (ChamiRadio, AMAS and el Centro) we celebrated Navidad together

We had a festive Mass, a show for the kids, a meal and dancing...such a fun night!

 Otuzco: Finally as a community in the center we celebrated Navidad together
We had a tasty meal, exchanged gifts in an 'amigo secreto' and just shared time and memories together...another excellent evening!

Blessings to all as we celebrate la Navidad!  You are all in my prayers in a special way as we give thanks and celebrate the birth of nino Jesus!!