Year after year, several groups from our schools and the parishes with which we collaborate take part in the Holy Week missions.
Each missionary group was made up of students, former students, pastoral team members, young people involved in the parish, and sisters of the Assumption.
They were sent to various rural and semi-urban areas. Contact with the people begins by visiting families and inviting them to meetings and celebrations. The groups organize catechesis for children, talks for young people and adults, and the celebrations of the Paschal Triduum.
This unique experience allows them to experience the joy of being witnesses of Jesus and to share the faith that, over the years, they have built through the pastoral journey and learning opportunities. As one student writes:
“…when you move from primary school to secondary school, suddenly you are no longer just listening to religion class and writing in your notebook about the 10 commandments or the life of Jesus. In secondary school, that is no longer enough; it is time to put faith into practice…” (Regina Marrufo González, 6th Year, Assumption High School-Águilas, Mexico)
This pedagogy of experience offers spaces of commitment and service that vary according to age and the time of year. The Holy Week mission is special: it is an option for teenagers and young people. There, they experience total immersion in realities of poverty they do not know. It is a time full of discoveries where their missionary enthusiasm is renewed. These intense days bring about in them a transformation of perspective and of life itself, as they themselves share:
“I saw another side of Mexico that I had never seen before, and I finally understood what I had gone there to do. I went to learn how to be generous, to give my time, to be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, someone who advises based on what I have been taught from the message of God. I learned to truly follow Mary’s example, to act with openness, to say ‘yes’ to the mission God gave me.” (Regina Marrufo González, 6th Year, Assumption High School-Águilas, Mexico)
“Living the mission experience not only changed the way I see and live Holy Week, because it taught me a much closer and deeper way of living these celebrations. It also opened my eyes to see God in every person I met, seeing how they welcomed us and gave us everything, even when they did not have it themselves, simply because they had faith and hope in us.” (Testimony of Lucía Andrade, 6th Year, Assumption High School-Águilas, Mexico)
“Taking part in missions was an experience that deeply changed the way I see life. Before, I thought a lot about myself and my own problems, but by living with the people in the community, I understood that there are realities very different from mine. I was impressed by their joy, even in the midst of difficulties. I learned to value more what I have and to be grateful for it. I also discovered that I can serve others through simple things, like listening or accompanying them. I return with a more sensitive heart and the desire to keep helping. Without a doubt, this experience strengthened my faith and made me feel closer to God.” (Agustín Rivero, 6th Year, Assumption High School-Águilas, Mexico)
“The missions helped me leave my comfort zone and face a reality I did not know. At first, I felt fear and insecurity, but little by little I discovered that God was present in every moment. Living with the families taught me the value of simplicity and the importance of sharing. I realized that it does not take much to make someone happy. This experience transformed my way of thinking, and now I seek to be more empathetic and supportive. I take with me great lessons, new friendships, and the commitment to live my faith in a more authentic way.” (Juan Pablo Saldaña, former student, Assumption-Mexico)
“Going on mission was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It helped me grow and question myself about the kind of person I want to be. By sharing with the children, young people, and adults of the community, I discovered the importance of giving without expecting anything in return. I also understood that God often reveals Himself in the small details and in the people around us. I return with a heart full of gratitude and a greater social awareness. Now I know that we can all be instruments of change if we are willing to serve with love.” (Fernanda Gómez, 4th Year, Assumption-Mexico)
“Accompanying such a diverse missionary community was enriching; it meant being a witness to how God walked with each one of us and how we recognized His presence day after day. ‘How we recognized Him in the breaking of the bread’ was, and still is, my thanksgiving.
‘El Salado’ (Sinancay, Ecuador) became holy ground. God passed through there through the generosity of our Assumption missionaries and through the faithfulness of the El Salado community. Recognizing that in the face of so much love I can only respond with love, I decide to place it at the service of my brothers and sisters. El Salado confirms me in my being Church, the one called to be built in the everyday life of the community, reminding me that God does not only dwell in the extraordinary, but also in the simplicity of walking together.” (Alexandra Jurado Alarcón. Former student of Centro Asunción-Ecuador, lay member of “Camino de Vida”)
This transformative pedagogy and humanizing approach is born of hope and joy, and leads back to them. It is our Assumption hallmark, as Marie Eugénie reminds us:
“…There are people who have less difficulty in letting go… the mystery of the Assumption is being fulfilled in them. Our Lord renews them with His grace; they seek more and more the things above, and God gradually becomes their only goal.
I have heard it said that at the Assumption we always seem joyful and cheerful, and the reason is very simple… our thoughts and our affections are above, where there are neither tears nor sorrows. Then why should we be sad? Because of our faults or difficulties? Believe me, sadness will not help you overcome them. I have always seen that the people who grow are those who are less occupied with themselves. It seems to me that if we meditate on these things, we will advance more in our spiritual growth.”[1]
Sr. Ana Sentíes
Ecuador - Mexico Province
[1] SME Chapter on the Resurrection, April 16, 1871