Mission Trip to El Salvador January 15, 2024

Traveling to El Salvador:

A Message from S. Diane Capuano, OP

Once again students, mentors, alumni, and I traveled to El Salvador from January 2nd to January 11th to assist Sister Flor de Maria in running two camps for the children of Sol Naciente and the village of Once.

This year’s theme was about the foster father of Jesus. Each day, “St. Joseph” appeared and set the tone for the day before the children and mentors moved into the activities of music, arts and crafts, community service, and recreation. The days were filled with much joy and laughter and lots and lots of hugs from the children. These camps truly foster love and respect for all! I share with you two very powerful experiences which touched us all deeply:

Saving a Child: At the end of the second day of camp in Once while the children were listening attentively to their homework instructions, one little boy, 6, suddenly had a grand mal seizure, fell to the ground, and hit his head on concrete. Two alumni nurses, graduates from Molloy University, quickly and very professionally cared for him, with hearts full of love and compassion. They immediately put him into the car and brought him to the hospital where he remained for the next three days. If they were not there and did not act as quickly as they did, this little boy may have lost his life. Remember, there is no such thing as 911 in remote villages such as Once.

Homeless to Home: The last day in Once ended with a beautiful Mass with people from both villages. At the celebration, a sister and brother received First Communion. The two children belonged to a family in Once who struggled with homelessness. Last year this family was living under trees or anywhere they could find shelter. Two Molloy graduates, Mary Roedig, and Joseph Marino who recently got engaged, felt deeply for them. They wired money to Sister Flor to purchase land to build a house for them. During the trip this year, we had the privilege of visiting with this family in their NEW home.

At the end of the Mass, Sister Flor asked Mary and Joseph to hand over the deed to the property to the family. The family cried tears of joy! We ALL cried tears of joy for this wonderful family. This deed assures them that they will never be displaced. They now own the land and the house.

Now, Mary and Joseph told Sister Flor they would like to pay to get electricity installed in the house! This young couple certainly have embraced our Dominican Life and Mission. They saw the need and acted in a very quiet and unassuming way! Dominic and Jesus must be so proud of them!

These are just two stories that were part of our amazing week!

Thank you for your continued support in love and prayer for this very Sacred and Special Mission.

With love and thanks,

Sister Diane Capuano, OP