Mission in Miami – one year later

In May 2016, the Emmanuel Community in Miami and Blessed Trinity parish had the immense blessing of welcoming the ESM Rome students for an Easter Mission. As you can read in previous blogs, the mission was an absolute success filled with overwhelming graces from our Lord. Fast forward almost a year later and once again both the community in Miami and Blessed Trinity were gifted with another great blessing. This blessing was the presence of our community brother and priest, Father Martin Guyot. Fr. Martin came from the diocese of Versailles in France and spent nearly 6 months in Miami helping out in the parish. His younger sister, Charlotte was one of the missionaries who visited Miami with the ESM Rome.

We had our regular household meetings and welcomed Fr. Martin to join us in the home of Lorenzo and Daima Rabago, two of our Emmanuel brothers and sisters. Each week we gathered to praise and share together. For the feast of Pentecost, we took the opportunity to have Fr. Martin celebrate Mass for us in the chapel of St. Patrick’s in Miami Beach near the home of Emilio Collavino and Paola Bertoli, two other members of our household. After celebrating Mass, praising and taking a time to share, we prayed for one another asking for the Holy Spirit to grant us a new outpouring.

There were many activities in the Blessed Trinity parish where our household had the opportunity to help. One of these activities was a 3 day Lenten retreat known as ‘Mercy Nights’. During these nights, parishioners are given the chance to spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, experience our Lord’s infinite mercy through the sacrament of Reconciliation and listen to talks by Dr. Carol Razza. There were also ‘Mercy Groups’ where our sister Elizabeth Moreano helped with praying for those who requested it. Overall it was a very powerful experience for all who attended. Fr. Martin also led a wonderful 2 day conference giving two teachings on the Old Testament. All who attended agreed that it was very beneficial to our understanding of deep truths held in Sacred Scripture.

Fr. Martin headed back to France in early July and we miss him sorely. His time in Miami will continue to bring many fruits both to our community and to the Blessed Trinity parish!

Written by Juan (FL)