Mission Office

Background on Parishes of Sisterly Love
Some history to the Sister Parish Relationship between Barbacoas, Venezuela and Brandon, Minnesota

Fr. Tony Kroll with Fr. Alexis and Fr. Joel at Immaculate Conception parish in Barbacoas, Venezuela in Jan 2005.

St. Ann's Catholic Parish of Brandon, Minnesota has decided to take their faith to a new pro-active depth by getting involved in "mission." While the Dioceses of St. Cloud and Maracay, Venezuela, have a long history dating back to 1964 of sending many priests, sisters, and lay volunteers to serve and accompany our sister and brothers in the Diocese of Maracay; the Parish of St. Ann's have decided that they too are going to get on board and get involved in "mission."

Shirley (a St. Ann's parish member) and Jim Anderson traveled to Maracay, Venezuela, on a "reverse" mission trip with Fr. Tony Kroll from January 17-31, 2000. Shirley was especially moved by the liturgies in Maracay, the Venezuelan's enthusiasm and happiness, and the active participation of the youth in the church of Venezuela. The people of Barbacoas graciously welcomed her to their community, and were so willing to share. "They always brought small gifts," Shirley said in an April 2000 West Douglas County Record interview. Her "reverse" mission trip became a very enriching faith exchange.

Shirley came away from her Venezuelan trip transformed and on fire. By March of that year, Shirley had engaged the St. Ann's parish council in building an on-going relationship with Immaculate Conception Parish in Barbacoas, Venezuela. By early October of 2000, St. Ann's of Brandon were hosting their first group of parishioners and the parish priest from Immaculate Conception of Barbacoas.

The relationship has continued to grow since then by engaging parishioners, families, youth, mission circle members, and priests from both parishes. Personal contact through delegation visits and on-going communication has been essential in remaining connected, sharing faith, learning about each others culture, and fostering the relationship.

Immaculate Conception parishs in Barbacoas, Venezuela in Jan 2005.

For more information about our broader Diocesan Partnership with Maracay, Venezuela...

• Read about the 2005 reverse mission trip.
• Check out the Diocesan Maracay-St. Cloud Partnership.
• Check out other mission office educational resources and videos on Venezuela.
• To learn more about other sister parish relationships, return to the sister parish home page.
• Invite a missioner from Maracay, Venezuela or someone who has served there to come give a presentation to your parish, school, or group about this partnership.

To learn more about
other specific St. Cloud Diocesan
Global Partnerships and relationships;
return to the main Global Solidarity Page.