Brothers and Sisters of Charity head to Jamaica to serve with Missionaries of the Poor
Carmen and Annmarie Zullo, Glenn and Deborah Galtere, and John and Barbara Puleo will journey to Jamaica in February to spend nine days working with the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP). The Missionaries of the Poor work with the poorest of Jamaica's people in shelters, hospitals, care facilities, and prison. They began this work in 1983 under the direction and formation of Fr. Richard Ho Lung and have continued to this day, taking no payment for the services they offer.
This will be John and Barbara's and Carmen and Annmarie's first trip to the island for this purpose. Glenn and Deborah have served before as missionaries in Jamaica.
In preparation for the trip John and Barbara hosted two fund raising events at their home parish, one in each of two churches, St. Alice and Our Lady of Lourdes. John played for Mass and gave a little talk after Mass about MOP and the needs of the poor. Barbara prepared cinnamon rolls on Saturday evening and then a hot dog luncheon on Sunday. John and Barbara were overwhelmed by people's support, offer of prayers, and their generosity. A healthy cash donation will be delivered to MOP on behalf of the parishioners along with a suitcase full of soaps, diapers, and baby clothes.
As these domestic members of our community and their spouses enter into this ministry the entire community will participate with them as all are one in the Body of Christ, their hands will be the hands of all, their love shared will be the love of all shared.
Fr. Richard Ho Lung has said, "A call to work with the poor is an invitation to happiness." All hope to experience this happiness during this mission and plan on sharing the good news that it brings on their return home. Please keep this mission in your prayers.