May we, too, bleed and burn for souls!

My buddy, I can not love him enough! 

Hello, my beloved mission partners, family and friends,

I pray you all are well! We are doing good, despite the fact it has been raining tremendously here for the last several months. Which has been rather nice to have to cooler weather but of courses the mosquitos are out in full force and now on top of covid there now is a high number of confirmed cases of dengue fever running about.

I am truly sorry it has been a while since I sent out an update, we have really been enjoying the work the Holy Spirit has led us to, and grateful for the opportunity to serve our Lord in such a humble way.

We are supper excited to share with you how the Holy Spirit has been leading us here in the mission field. Of course It is always a challenge among us humans to remain with hearts "Wide Open" and with a "YES" on our lips, because as you know we sometimes get in the way of the Lord’s plan. But we are happy to say that we feel that the Holy Spirit has been doing an awesome job at directing us despite are thick heads and harden hearts we posses at times.

 I would like to share with you a couple of Glory stories with you. These stories though may not be a huge deal to some, however, they are every bit worthy of praise, and we recognize that the Holy Spirit had every intention in moving in the way he did, and we are so grateful that he is leading the way. 

No one comes to Adoration

When we moved to our current mission post in Oct 2019, Father Robert asked if our family would lead adoration each Thursday for the community. Of course, we said yes. After all, my family and I love our time spent with Jesus in the blessed sacrament and were very excited to lead it for our new community. Overtime though we became discouraged at the fact that no one would come to adoration despite the fact we were inviting families personally to join us. We even invited families and friends over on Thursday nights to share a meal with them in our home before adoration. But yet, each time somehow, they all managed to slip away before adoration.

Feeling defeated and like the worst missionary ever, I rested in the fact that at least Thursday night could at least be a time my family and I could spend time with Jesus. A time that was quiet, refreshing and spiritually renewing for each of us. The three of us could have this intimate time alone with Jesus which aids us in our weekly ministries with those that we journey with that are not quite ready to join us for adoration.

More than 19 months have passed and every Thursday Night we open the Church doors, and we expose Jesus in the blessed sacrament, alone as a family. Heartbroken that no one would attend, I found myself praying each Thursday for our community, and for all those we had invited over the months. As I sat there in front of Jesus each week, I begged for at least a few people to accept the invitation to join us.  I also found myself asking for forgiveness for failing to be a “good enough missionary”, and at the same time asking for forgiveness because of the “guilty” feeling I had for enjoying my family's alone time with Jesus.

5 weeks ago, as usual we were in the chapel during adoration and suddenly, I heard a group of young girls walk in. Of course, they thought they were talking quietly, but the roar of their voices drowned out soft music that was playing and attracted all our attention, instead of the blessed sacrament that was sitting in front of us. They immediately came up to me and asked if they could join us. And of course, I said yes. These girls have came back every week since. Sometimes they even bring their friends and little brothers or sisters with them. I have found myself frustrated a bit as now my quiet and intimate adoration time has now been taken away from me by little whispers and the idle movements of young jittery children scattered throughout the pews and floor of the church. But I quickly remind myself that I was the one begging for others to join us in Adoration!

These children are not your normal everyday adoration goers. They indeed are challenged by silence and stillness, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to journey with them. Each Thursday before we expose Jesus, we answer questions and explain to them a different aspect of adoration and prayer. We have also had the chance to talk to them about journaling.

Maybe it's not what I was expecting 19 months ago, however I am confident that the Holy Spirit is indeed at work in the hearts of the children, and it is an honor to walk with them as they build an incredibly intimate relationship with Jesus. 

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them;

for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”

Matthew 19:14

This is not a picture of adoration in our chapel, it is from last weeks Procession on the feast of Corpus Christi.  But the cutie that you see is named Kendra and she is one of the many children that has started coming on Thursdays night to adoration. 

 

An example to others- becoming the salt and light

The other day, Julianna and Gabriel and I spent all day mixing sawdust and colorant for a project we are helping with in honor of the upcoming feast of Corpus Christi. It was late in the afternoon and time had gotten away from us and we had not eaten all day. We had nothing in our home and not much money, so I told Julianna to go to the small restaurant in town and buy three plates to go. The restaurant is super cheap, and I knew we could buy food for all three of us for the 15 soles (5 dollars) that we had.

When Julianna came back, she was crying with Joy, as she told me that she only bought two plates instead of three.  I asked what happened and she began to explain that Camila, one of the little girls we had become friends not too long ago, came up to her at the restaurant and she told Julianna that she was hungry and that she had not eaten all day. You see Camellia’s mother sends her out each day to sell candy, and she can not go home until she sells all of her candy. Praise God Julianna did not hesitate to buy her something to eat. As the two of them waited for their food, Camilla began to ask Julianna about why our family chose to live here in Peru and what was a missionary’s job. As they were talking a gentleman stood up from a nearby table and approached them, saying that he was listening and watching from where he was sitting. He extended his hand out to Camilla, handing her 50 soles and told her to make sure she buys food for her mother and sister before going home. Then he turned to Julianna and thanked her for inspiring him to help.

 Praise Jesus’s Holy name for perfect timing and for the witness of Julianna that inspired a stranger to join us in our journey with Camilla. Julianna could have just followed my instructions and just as easily told Camila she did not have enough to buy her food, praise God instead she decided to become the Salt and the light. And we are so thankful for the multiplication of food that day, we all were able to eat until we were full.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others,

so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

This is an old picture from March on Julianna's 18th birthday. But it is one of the only pictures I have with Camilla. She is on the bottom left in the pink shirt. 

Speaking English

Perhaps one may say that this glory story is insignificant but for us it is right alongside any other miracle Jesus has performed. Two weeks ago, we had to travel to the Migraciones office 8 hours away to pick up Julianna’s new resident card. In which presented us the opportunity to see fellow missionaries who live there. And as Gabriel said the opportunity to speak English to someone other than his mom and sister. The little things are so rewarding, even if it was just for 2 hours. What a gift it was to talk with these two saintly missionaries who call us on to become holier. This gift that Jesus had for us, renewed us and filled our hearts for many months to come.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

 Proverbs 27:17

Missionary's friends JP and Soren, what awesome missionaries they are! 

Our Mother Mary

Since the beginning of May we have been teaching the children here about our Mother Mary each week. On the Last week of May we were blessed to be able surprised them with a big balloon rosary. The were smiling ear to ear and were amazed that it floated out of sight. 

 Mary said “My soul glorifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. For he has looked upon his servant in her littleness. From now on all generations will call me blessed. The Almighty has done great things through me. Holy is His name. God’s mercy extends from age to age, to all who praise him.

 Luke 1:46-55

These children fill our hearts beyond words! 

Teaching school

Many ask or wonder what we do as missionaries. Sometimes it is hard to describe in a concrete way. It depends on the day and what hat we are wearing that day. One could easily find us in the church praying or leading a meeting just as they could find us helping an elderly person or visiting the sick and homebound. On an extremely adventurously day you might find us walking through mud to someone’s home to listen to them tell us all the reason they do not believe in God. But one of our favorites lately has been teaching school to the three children of our dear friend Maritza.  Our we teachers you ask?, well not exactly. Of course, we have no degree or education that would certify us to be. But you see the children of Peru are suffering more than ever since March of 2020. Believe it or not Peruvian children have not been back to school. The 1^st year of Covid they just cancelled it all together. This past March the government decided that school would continue but at home which makes the parents now the teachers and if they are lucky perhaps, they will receive a phone call from their teacher each week where they are given their weekly assignments. A lot of the parents here can not read or write, though that is not the case with Maritza. However, it is not easy for her to teach all three of them and work in the fields planting and harvesting crops. So we have been blessed to help them in their studies. In the picture you see Julianna and Alondra. Alondra just turn 5 and she is learning how to hold a pencil and Julianna is working with her on writing her name. 

Julianna and Alondra hard at work

Learning her name

Completed projects -  Preferential option for the poor 

We continue to work on laying cement floors here at our mission post. We are super excited about two other projects that have been completed. Both were enormous task, and we are very grateful for your prayers and financial support in completed them both. Martinez new home know has fully working electricity. Praise God. Though we had to be the, and we had to run the electric lines, as well as set post over a 600-meter span of terrain uphill all the way, they know have light. 

We received a huge donation from a very generous donor for the walls for Flor’s home.  If you remember correctly, we poured her a concrete floor and where able to build her a new roof. She has been without walls for the last serval months, and we finally were able to construct the walls for her home. She is beyond happy, and she cries tears of joy every time she talks about her new home. 

“...the universal destination of goods requires that the poor, the marginalized and in all cases those whose living conditions interfere with their proper growth should be the focus of particular concern. To this end, the preferential option for the poor should be reaffirmed in all its force.... It affects the life of each Christian inasmuch as he or she seeks to imitate the life of Christ, but it applies equally to our social responsibilities and hence to our manner of living…” Pope Benedict, Charity and truth, (no. 182).

Learning how to set post and string electric wire up a mountain! 

Jose are dear friend is helping us get electricity to Maritza's home. 

The 1st night they had power. 

Flor's new home, do you remember what it was like before?

A huge difference I must say! 

Today is my birthday and I am so grateful for the past years of my life. But more so I am grateful for all the Lord's patience's with me. For his merciful love and forgiveness he has shown me through out my life.  I am grateful to be in the midst of his restless love. 

Today on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus I  am so grateful for ALL OF YOU who support Christ's mission here in Peru. My children and I are only instruments of His love and without your prayers and monetary support we would not be able to love the poor nor seek justice for them as we do now. Today I will keep each of you even closer to my heart and in my prayers as it is for your sacrifices we remain here among the voiceless and oppressed.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Pierced for our transgressions, hide us within your open wounds. You bled for us; you burn for us. May we, too, bleed and burn for souls through acts of love and mercy. May we love and serve you and our neighbors as you commanded us. Amen

May we Burn for Souls!  

 

Prayer request
 Email:  karendelcastillo@familymissionscompany.com

Do you desire to partner with us ? 

Any amount is welcomed, you can make a onetime donation or 

become a monthly partner by donating as little as $10.00 a month. 

DonWeb Site: delcastillo.familymissionscompany.com

Missionary Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us!

 

Laws of Man are not a Moral Compass

Greetings and blessings to everyone!

  We want you to know that each and everyone of you are in our prayers. It has been very heartwarming to receive so many emails from many of you who are worried about us and our situation with COVID here in Peru. The outpour of such kindness and prayers, we recognize as blessings and a gift from God.  Our situation here in Peru with the COVID virus is ever changing as I am sure is the case in the US. In July the government removed, for the most part, all of the military from our area and we were left with the obligation of maintaining the social distancing order and the nightly curfew which mandated that we were to be in our homes between 10 pm and 4 am each night. Although we had been asked by our Bishop and priest not to return to our formal ministries such as sacramental prep classes, youth group and bible studies we found comfort in the new normal of just being open to the Holy Spirit and knowing that soon our churches could open and formal ministries would be allowed to continue as we felt we could see the light at the end of the tunnel.  

    However due to the rise in COVID cases, as of August, the 1^st our region, along with many more regions, have now been placed back on a strict quarantine and they have moved our curfew up a few hours making it now mandatory to be in our homes each night at 8 pm until September. With the nightly curfew comes a mandatory stay at home order each Sunday, making the possibility of the Church doors opening here in Peru impossible any time soon, along with halting once again travel between any other regions of the country. Not to mention there is absolutely no concrete idea of when international travel will be allowed to resume which has made it hard for the Peruvian economy as many of the poor here rely on tourism for their family’s income. The government has said that, they are hopeful by the end of 2020 or the 1^st quarter of 2021 being an option of when international flights may return.

    It is surreal to think about what toll and effect this pandemic has taken on so many people’s lives and of the effects caused by the heavy handed governments which have had to take action out of fear rather than faith. I must note that I do not stand on either side of the debate. With one side fussing loudly about the need to wear masks and the other side screaming of the unjust of government overreach by shutting down their lives and meddling in their personal movements and affairs, it seems that picking one of their sides would not solve much when dealing with this pandemic.  It is important to know that with the eyes of the world we cannot combat the virus or its effects on this world; but to see with prudent eyes would be to see it through the eyes of the Lord and perhaps that is the best way to combat this pandemic.

    Knowing are actions must be a mirror image of the Lords merciful nature, and the need to obey the greatest commandment “You shall love...God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength....You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31) it gives a narrow gate to enter but we can be confident that our actions will be aligned with those that Jesus spoke about.

  I cannot help but think of the words of Saint Benedict: “that a person love not his own will nor take pleasure in satisfying his desires, but model his actions on the saying of the Lord, ‘I have come not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”(John 6:38)

 

  With that said I must share with you of my personal struggle during this quarantine, but 1^st I  desire to enlighten you of the familiar story of the two sisters Mary and Martha, which often replays in my head during my personal prayer time. As I recall the many times lately “I” have become a hindrance in Christ’s Mission set before me. I am very much a “Martha”, a planner, go getter, and a worrier, instead of mirroring the wisdom of Mary and her peaceful silence and contemplative nature like I know I should. After all, Jesus told Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are worried about many things. Mary has chosen the best part and she will not be deprived of it.”(Luke 10:41-42)

     Do not get me wrong Martha’s concerned nature and the life she lived of service is not frowned upon by Jesus; after all the Church celebrates ST. Martha and her life of service every July 29^th. However, Jesus addressed the fact that we cannot always live a life of service at all times. We must also have time for prayer and Holy Silence to set before the Lord. To desire to seek His face and the ability to possess a life of contemplation is also a very important role as a Christian and for our own sanctity. 

Although the Martha in me has definitely been challenged everyday during this time of uncertainty,  I have also been very blessed to see the new fruits that have come from living day to day, guided by the Holy Spirit and of contemplating on the face of Jesus in Holy Silence, rather than a “to-do” list.  As I have been reminded of the fact that to follow Christ also means that we should make His cares, wishes, concerns, and loves our own cares, wishes, concerns, and loves, rather than those of our own will. “For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25). But to do this “We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.”--Blessed Mother Teresa and it is “In silence and quiet the devout soul advances in virtue and learns the hidden truths of Scripture.”--Imitation of Christ

 In keeping this commandment, we obviously cannot live in this world, there is no mistaking that the only way to do so is to realign our hearts to that of our Lords. I know as a Christian I cannot without prudence solely live of what the Government demands of us, and live strictly on adherence to their rules, because their laws are not a moral compass, nor can I live on the liberal view point, with the mentality that I can live as if only my rights matter and are more important than my neighbors. Instead I must be focused more on the universal call to holiness and what that means personally for me and for those souls that I may help bring closer to Christ.

  In this season it seems that Jesus desires to highlight the Martha in me, as I have often forgotten to be more like Mary.  As I often heavily weigh my worth and how God sees my worthiness by the works of my hand.  The fact that I am always engulfed in the works of my hands rather than just sitting attentively to Jesus with my gaze fixed to his face has indeed been stressed during this pandemic, leaving no doubt that this season for me was meant to be a season  of change and a season of renewal. 

 With that said I have realized that within our vocation and ministry that we must welcome the opportunity to sit in Holy Silence with our Lord. It is a constant balance that we must maintain not to become too much like Martha and not enough like Mary. Since being called to live as a foreign missionary I have often worried if I am doing enough, If I was sacrificing enough for those I serve. So you can see that when the pandemic hit I felt our ministries were hindered significantly and I begged the Holy Spirit to prepare a way for us to show us how best to serve in this time while still obeying the rules of the government. Thanks be to God, through prayer and discernment the Holy Spirit made it clear to us where we could draw the line between following the rules imposed by the Peruvian government that hindered us from being able to keep the greatest commandment to love God and our neighbor.

  So, with that we have been able to make a respectable and holy decision to not actively visit the elderly in their homes. Forgoing our normal home visits that consisted of prayer and friendly conversation, instead we felt it to be more prudent to visit from a distance, so we have been walking to their homes to check on them and leaving food for them. We have also made the super hard decision to not visit the communities up in the mountains. As we felt that they are so many hours away from this crazy mess, secluded in their own world without intrusion from the outside world, we did not want to bring them harm and enter their secluded communities and bring the virus. Instead we communicate with them via telephone and have been able to check on them and pray together in that way.

  Thankfully, we have, yet again, learned new ways to serve as the Holy Spirit has led us to unusual opportunities this past month.  Thank goodness since the government has reactivated the quarantine measures, we have yet seen the military here in our town. We pray that in this round they will not return to restrict our movements any further than what they are. Because at the moment we are able to move around during the day and to buy our provisions as needed for ourselves and for those we have been helping by supplementing them with food.

  Also, without the militaries presence the children can play a lot longer together outside than the allotted 1 hour per day limit. and thank goodness the police next door has not said anything to them overstaying their play time.  And since our formal ministries have not yet been approved to resume it has provided the opportunity for all three of us to spend more time with the children here.

  I must tell you how Gabriel came up with a new way to serve his friends. He designed a water jug holder, complete with cup holders and had a local young man weld it into existence. It was really awakening to us the 1^st day that Gabriel wheeled out the new water jug holder for the afternoon fun and games in the plaza. It is something so simple that we often forget the riches we have while being able to afford to buy clean drinking water. A 5-gallon jug here is roughly 2 US dollars. Clean water here is a luxury and the children feel so honored to be invited for a drink of clean water and to have their own cup to drink from.  Since water is such a sacred symbol in the bible, and I cannot help but pray that Gabriel’s water ministry will be able to bring others closer to Christ in the way he intended.

  Julianna has been taken this time to fix broken statues, a bit of a different kind of ministry you can say. It all started with her fixing a broken crucifix that had been thrown to the side of the church and ever since she has been asked to repair others from people here in our town.

  We also have used some of the of extra time that we have on our hands to bake cookies and homemade chicken pot pies to deliver to our older neighbors in the community.

    Each Thursday night we still have Holy adoration and on Sunday we have a celebration of the word, despite the church doors having to remain closed.  We remain obedient to this time and as a family fervently pray that others may hear us as we proclaim the word of our Lord and rejoice in song.

     I can not help but cringe when the church bells rings, as we know it is not to announce Mass is about to start. Instead the only reason they ring is to announce that another person has died. It has become way to common of a sound. Just this week we had another death, not directly because the person had the illness but because of depression due to losing his job because of the governments shut down to stop the spread of the virus. Mr. Luis leaves behind his wife and 7 year old son. This is a ministry that is very hard for my children and I, we ask that you please keep us in your prayers and all those who have passed since March.

I know it is very possible that as my family has, that the recent times have been riddled with many uncertainties for you and your family as well. We pray that you may be blessed to seek and to encounter the face of Christ, and that within your search you will encounter the most holiest of places where you may sit in the midst of His silence,  far away from the noise. You may find to carve out the time in your day, may be difficult at 1^st but rest assure, that once you open your heart and silence the noise, your appetite for such prayer will increase over time; because during these intimate times in prayer your heart will be inflamed with such love and holy wisdom that you will be drawn more and more to these intimate and holy encounters with Christ. There you will find your moral compass! 

We love each one of you!

Karen, Julianna and Gabriel Del Castillo

We would be honored to receive your prayer request. At anytime you may send them to us through our email address listed below.

We would be extremely blessed if you would pray for us to remain obedient and humble to the will of our Lord.  

We thank you for your prayers and your support. 


Without the sacrifices made by each of you this work would be impossible. 

Prayer request
 Email:  karendelcastillo@familymissionscompany.com

Donations Web Site: delcastillo.familymissionscompany.com

Greetings to you and your family


 Today on the second Sunday of Easter,  wherein the Church celebrates Divine Mercy Sunday,  we are praying especially for you . 


The last month or so has been extremely trying for all of us. There are so many who are suffering from the hardships that have been evoked by the deadly Corona Virus. I am certain if you yourself have not been affected,  you know someone who has. Perhaps if not affected by the virus directly,  the economical trials, mandated isolation requirements, and the closing of schools and churches have totally changed our lives. We ourselves quickly found out,  the spiraling effects of being Americans in Peru during this epidemic,  comes with new challenges. 


Not to mention the mental aspect of it all. Perhaps it is easier to say “we have no worries”, however we must at some point admit , even if we like it or not, times are pretty traumatic, and uncomfortable to say the least. A desire to return to normal is sensed throughout the world. There is an urgency among us all to be able to return to our normal lives. It seems all unreal, but the seriousness of borders closing; such as our situation here in Peru,  to the jokes about people suffering for the lack of a haircut, women suffering because their true hair color is showing and let’s not forget the jokes surfacing on social media about the pounds people are putting on because of the inability to leave their homes has become everyone’s so called normal state of life. There is no denying it,  and no sugar coating the traumatic changes the world has and will face in the months to come.  The unknown and the inability  to control one’s own life can be SUPER SCARY and a REAL SUFFERING.  


But we must not forget to rejoice in our suffering and fears. In the second reading today Saint Peter reminds us that “In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1: 6-7.  Yes even in times we feel we are in the middle of a fire we should lift up our voices and praise God. So today is a wonderful reminder that we should embrace the opportunity of suffering that we are faced with today. 


Let us today be reminded of His Mercy for us and remember the act of praying “For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”  We cannot  forget the Divine Mercy He has for us all, Jesus Suffered and died on the Cross for each one of us. From our lips we must proclaim the miracle of his death and resurrection and together cry out “We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.” We mustn’t forget He is among us today, even during this pandemic. 


Do not think for a minute Jesus does not know of our sins, desires, needs, and sufferings. That being said we should not be afraid to bring our sins, fears and anxiety to the Lord, no matter how big or small they are. Let us not forget that It is through our sufferings that we are united with Christ.  Which is why we need to cry out today of all days, JESUS I TRUST IN YOU! 

Please remember to send us your prayer request! It is such an honor and a blessing to storm Heaven on your behalf.  You can send them via email to: Karendelcastillo@familymissionscompany.com

We appreciate your prayers and support for our family as we try to find unique and different ways to reach those we live among during these trying times. This past month we have experienced a lot of change in plans, and in our ministries. We have adjusted to the new normal of quarantine and nightly curfews and are adjusting to military patrolling our streets,  by clinging to Jesus.  

Saint Faustina, Pray for us!  

We thank you for your prayers and your support. 

Without the sacrifices made by each of you this work would be impossible. 

Prayer request

 Email:  karendelcastillo@familymissionscompany.com

Donations 

Web Site: delcastillo.familymissionscompany.com

Karen,  Julianna and Gabriel Del Castillo 

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. 

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion—inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.