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Un Mundo, Una Iglesia
A group of 12 delegates from throughout the St. Cloud Diocese traveled to our partner diocese of Maracay, Venezuela for ten days this past June. The following are reflections and photos from various delegation members on their experience.
 Delegates from St. Cloud Diocese at the seminary in Maracay
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Julie Wenz: The trip impacted me in incredible ways. I saw firsthand the passion for GOD that the people of Venezuela had - both young and old. The people I met have little regard for material possessions yet their love and faith in GOD was greater than most people I know in my own church. I think going on this trip blessed me more than I blessed the people I met. The trip gave me a better understanding of GOD's people and how we essentially all need his love, regardless of our backgrounds, circumstances, and economic standing.
Mary Kay Bodeen: I call the trip my pilgrimage and now I have to go forth and do my mission.
Fr. Ralph Zimmerman: It was a phenomenal trip! I am catching up with myself and sorting through all the memories. What wonders we experienced and love from GOD's people of Maracay. Un mundo, una iglesia (one world, one church).
 Deacon Fred St. Jean gives one of the cultural dances performed for them a try
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Deacon Fred St. Jean: I truly know what it means to be a catholic (universal) church. Whatever language we speak, the color of our skin or the country we live in - we are truly brothers and sisters in Christ. One of the priests that spoke to us during a Mass we attended said that we probably will visit other churches on our travels in the days and years ahead. But he wanted us always to remember that we were not visitors in his church or any church in Venezuela...we are family...always welcome as brothers and sisters united under Christ. His words touched my heart as well as the outpouring of love and hospitality that each congregation we visited offered to us. Their deep faith in GOD has strengthened my faith immensely. They are no longer "those people who live in Venezuela" but my brothers and sisters!
Bishop Kinney (words offered for the diaconal ordination of Omar Guanchez, a seminarian for our Diocese from Maracay; the ordination took place in Maracay during the delegation’s visit): I would like to offer my congratulations to Deacon Omar. Omar represents one more link in the chain of relationships between the Dioceses of Maracay and St. Cloud. Omar, born in Maracay, graduated from St. Cloud State University and entered St. Paul Seminary in order to prepare himself to serve the Church of St. Cloud as a priest. Of course, he will be serving the Church of Maracay in a way also because we are one Church, one body in Christ.
Omar Guanchez, a Maracay-native and seminarian for the St. Cloud diocese celebrated his Diaconal ordination in Maracay during the delegation visit
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The newly ordained, Deacon Omar!
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Fr. Ralph Zimmerman with young friends of Maracay
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Julie Wenz (center) gives wodden crosses made by students at St. Wendelin school in Luxemburg to new friends in Maracay
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Rick Schwartz presents an altar cloth from his parish of St. Edwards in Princeton to his hosts in Maracay
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Members of the delegation gather wtih youth at San Bartolome parish.
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Fr. Freddimir, rector of the Maracay Seminary, and Fr. Peter VanderWeyst, of Holy Spirit, St. John Cantius and St. Anthony parishes in St. Cloud
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Mary Kay Bodeen and Beth Radjl enjoy the beaches and environmental life of Maracay |
Kelly Hansen with two young friends in Maracay |
Irene Zens and Fr. Ralph Zimmerman learn to make arepas |
Fr. Jeff Ethen shows off his soccer skills |
Nathan Zylla and a friend from the seminary in Maracay |
For more info on the Partnership...
Or view fuller highlights from past delegations...
To learn more about
other St. Cloud Diocesan Global Partnerships and relationships;
return to the Global Solidarity Web Page |
Missionaries . . .