In the second week of January, I had the privilege of taking a trip with six fellow Catholic seminarians to Guatemala.
Our trip had two focus points. First, we made a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Esquipulas for an important Feast day.
Every year, thousands travel for hours, sometimes by foot, to see a crucifix there for one or two minutes. And on the actual anniversary of its arrival into Esquipulas, many people camp outside the Basilica for two or three days.
At home we see people camp out for a sporting event or concert, but never to worship Christ. Now that is commitment.
The second focus of our trip was to meet and learn about the poor in the area. The poorest town we visited was Tontoles, which sits hidden on a mountain.
The residents said we were their first ever visitors. When we visited the town of Chanmagua, the priest that traveled with us celebrated a Mass for the residents. Despite the fact that he speaks no Spanish at all, the residents were thrilled because they only have a full service once a month due to the lack of priests.
Aside from visiting the towns, we also visited a local orphanage in Esquipulas. The kids there were so happy to see us that they ran up to us, gave us hugs and immediately wanted to play games with us.
I had so much fun with them that I didn’t want to leave. They were so happy to have us there and were so grateful that we took time to visit them.
Too often do we forget about the poorest of the poor. Too often do we forget about those who are abandoned or left without a family for some reason.
I believe that there is enough to go around; all we have to do is take out a portion of our own and find a place for it to go, whether it is money, time or even prayers.
So much can be done, but each person has to do his or her own part for it to get done.
Scott Thomas is a resident of Jackson, Miss.