From Aug. 22 to 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney embarked on a mission trip to Chalco, Mexico, to serve Villa de las Niñas, a school administered by the Sisters of Mary. He was invited by author Kevin Wells, along with a men’s group, who made several visits to the school founded by Venerable Aloysius Schwarz. Wells wrote “Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwarz” as referenced previously by Bishop Sweeney in his Beacon column.
During the visit, Bishop Sweeney also visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The basilica houses the original tilma of St. Juan Diego. The Blessed Mother appeared before him in December 1531.
Bishop Sweeney shared photos and daily reports on his Instagram account and the Paterson Diocese Facebook page.
Friday, Aug. 23
This weekend, I am blessed to be in Chalco, Mexico with a men’s group led by author Kevin Wells on a mission trip. We arrived yesterday at “Villa de las Niñas” in Chalco. This morning, I was privileged to celebrate Mass for the community of the 47 Sisters of Mary, 5 of whom made their Profession of “1st vows”, after 6 years of formation. We were joined at Mass by some of the 3,100 girls (between the ages of 12-17) who live here and are cared for by the Sisters.
Saturday, Aug. 24
What a blessing to be able to visit and spend the morning at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is an additional blessing to be able to celebrate Mass in St. Joseph’s Chapel in the main Basilica. How amazing that, almost 500 years since Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego on a hill called Tepeyac, thousands of pilgrims come every day, asking for the Intercession of Our Blessed Mother and thanking her for miracles and answered prayers. As a special intention at Mass, I prayed for all those I have promised to pray for, especially those in Paterson.
Sunday, Aug. 25
On day 3 of our mission trip, it was a uniquely beautiful and powerful privilege to celebrate Mass (this morning) for a community of 3,100 young ladies and 47 Sisters!!
After the Mass, with a wonderful “Mariachi Choir” of about 100 musicians and singers, the students offered a mini-concert and some cultural dances, culminating in the whole community of 3,100 voices singing “Country Road” for their guests from the United States. Also, a harmonica accompanied the Mariachi Choir in a beautiful version of “Stand by Me.”
Monday, Aug. 26
This morning it was time to “say farewell” to the Sisters of Mary and the community at Villa de las Niñas. As I head home to Paterson, I am so grateful for these days and I’m especially grateful to Kevin Wells, Jim Manhardt, all the brothers in our small group, and to all at “World Villages for Children,” who made this trip possible and these days such a blessed experience.
