«Go into all the world and preach the Gospel» (Mk 16:15), Jesus told his apostles, calling them to share the faith wherever they went. Every year, milemore people travel to rural areas to spread this message and bear witness to their faith during Holy Week., days very importtes for all Catholics as we celebrate the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. Two families from a Regnum Christi school have participated in evangelization missions and share their experiences with us. What motivates them to go each year? How do they prepare? How do they get their children to want to go with them? Does the family dynamic change after the missions?
Year after year, entire families have joined in thehe apostolate of Youth and Misonera Family, promoting the pastoral care ofl marriage and the family, and inspiring others to do the same. This effort to multiply the teams of married couples in the Regnum Christi family for to be agents of evangelization, can be seen reflected in continued. Dhe families belonging to the Irish International School Monterrey, in northern Mexico, share with us their experience as a missionary family.
The Segovia Garza family has been participating for several years in the missions in different rural areas of Mexico. Javier and Regina, married couple which has 21 years old married, always had the dream of going on mission with their children since they were young missionaries in the Youth Group. Missionary. In fact, Javier's parents, through the group from Missionary Family, led the first missions in a village in Mexico.. Six years ago, Javier and Regina decided to return to this same place to continue this legacy, hand in hand with their children Javier, 20, Valentina, 16, and Alana, 11.
By its share, the familia Martínez Flores, formed by Marcelo and Daniela, married for the past 18 years, and their sons Marcelo, 16, Santiago, 14, and Eugenio, 11., perform theirs misiiois at a town located .he north of Mexico, in the state of Coahuila, called Cuatro Cienegas. Over the course of eight years, they have participated in partnership with other families par. to announce the Good News. Marcelo and Daniela made missions as a married couple, they always had the desire to do it as a family once their children were a little older. Today, they have been living this experience as part of Familia Misionera for almost a decade.
How do you prepare to go on missions?
Marcelo Martinez says that they have meetings weekly for preparesr materialis & see the talks that are will be given during the missions. «We also have retreats andl Rto go entrusting the missions from weeks in advance». For its part, Regina Garza mentions that Familia Misionera prepares adults and couples through retreats and talks for «at least refresh the knowledge we have of what we are going to preach».
Javier Segovia Garza shares an experience from last year, saying that «We struggled to retain the attention of the women in the village, so this time we are preparing to connect more with them through activities that we know they like, so my grandmothers are teaching me how to embroider so that while we do that activity, we can talk about how they are feeling, about the Gospel of the day and more.». His sister, Valentina Segovia Garza, in his experience he feels that he doesn't have to prepare much «because, in the end, you already know what you are going to share. Personally, I don't like the word “teach” because that's not what you're going to do, you're going to revive your faith and share it with people, to connect with those who feel alone or need support.. They already know who Jesus is; in itself it is not teaching them, it is accompanying them and bringing them closer to Jesus.».
How connecto with people during missions?
For Marcelo Martinez, that was something they were learning over time: «you have to locate, dón where you are and who you have in front of you, and to find your way. Sometimes it starts from something very casual to talk about Jesus and from there to see how reply. For example, we have had many cases with children or young people who have biblical names like Jesus, Joseph, Mary, John and we ask them if they know where it comes from or why they have that name. Sometimes they do not have the knowledge of that, but through the name is that we can connect and begin to talk to them about Jesus. Within the conversation we notice that they have not told them much and we see how their interest arises and they even ask us to talk more about it. And that's where we begin to connect and get them on track.».
Daniela Flores has had encounters at the crossroads: «We have also had cases of people who are widowed, who have no family and feel lonely, as well as those who have no family. that they start talking to you about their life and through that you notice how they are very thirsty of learn more. We have been asked from my baby is born and I don't know how to baptize it, me I want to bring the Iglesia and I don't know how… There are also people who are confused, who have doubts that they want to resolve and that is where we come in and contribute what we know to guide them.».
How have you strengthened your life family going on missions?
Javier Segovia Garza says that by thisr in the city «We are busy, thinking about work, homework, soccer class and our surroundings... But when we are on missions, it is like being on a retreat with your loved ones. You spend more time with them, you spend more time with them and you come back with more anecdotes that you experience as a family....».
Marcelo Martinez confesses that the missions are an opportunity to get out «with a heart full of gratitude. That feeling is, without a doubt, what keeps us coming back every year. It is as they say, the more you give, the more you receive».
«This year we will return to the same place where we went last year and we are very happy that they are the ones who most want us to come back.»comments Daniela Flores. «And in general, as Marcelo says, it is the feeling we are left with at the end of the mission. You look back and see the reunion of everything that happened during the week and there are many more blessings that the experience leaves you with. The fundamental mission we have is to raise up the community, not only religiously in terms of the sacraments, but also in terms of the sacraments," said Marcelo. in terms of education, nutrition, etcetera. We have a plan for 2040 to reflect this effort we are making in terms of children's education.ñThe company's employees were born 20 years ago.
Impact experiences
Evangelization missions also provide enriching experiences. For Daniela Flores, hhere is a mission that you will always remember, «On that occasion our son Santiago made his first communion. We prepared a lot as a family and with him for that moment, so that he could be ready to receive Jesus.». Marcelo Martínez Flores, for its part, that organizes soccer tournaments for children, he says he has «I have witnessed very nice experiences among children and young people because we always end up learning more from them than they do from us. There comes a point between matches where we talk about what their life is like and what ours is like, and we end up connecting on something. That whole process is a very fulfilling experience.».
On the other hand, Javier Segovia, recalls the mission in a town called Atongo. «Ft was very emotional because the residents had not received a mission for 15 years. That time we connected a lot with the people and specifically with the family that lent us their house. The gentleman had been in bed for months and that situation affected the whole family very much, so we spent time talking with the gentleman, we brought him a priest and it felt like we were preparing him for his departure. We had to go again in December to a posada and it was very emotional because we were preparing him for his departure. we learned that The man had already passed away, so the lady received us with great affection, as if we were family. To a certain extent, you do generate those bonds of friendship, of family, and you realize that you are an instrument to be able to bring joy, a smile and hope, even though maybe one not be an expert in evangelization».
Marcelo Martinez shares with us an experience that transformed him. «Once we were visiting houses and I remember it was already the last part of our tour for the day. At the end of a street stood a house, which from a distance appeared to be uninhabited. Of all modes, We went there, knocked on the door and were met by a guy who looked a little apprehensive. The first thing he said to us was no thanks, go away; However, we insisted a little and he agreed to let us in. Inside, we found a gentleman who was in a somewhat delicate condition, we called a the brigades medical and we were told that the man was almost hopeless. In view of the situation, we asked for the support of the priests who were with us, and one of them was able to confess, bless and give communion to the man. That experience was shocking for us, especially for our son who witnessed the whole thing. At the end of the week, we returned to greet the Lord. When we walked in we were amazed. Ehe home environment was different and the man seemed a completely renewed person; there was an obvious improvement in him. This experience gave us pause for thought: when you feel that you are no longer you can more and you think they are not going to open up to you, don't give up because you never know what might be waiting for you on the other side».
Missions, an experience to be lived
As time goes by, it is easy to meet families who keep the intention of going on missions and in the end keep postponing the possibility of attending. Regina Garza is convinced that missions are an experience to be lived. «You have to cheer up. It is normal that at the beginning many people go without so much motivation, but being there changes your attitude. provision totally. Experience is what keeps you signing up again and again.».
For Valentina Garza you have to go beyond what it costs. «I would tell them to see missions as a gift rather than a sacrifice. Yes, it may cost you, but everything in life costs you. It's something extra that you're going to give of yourself to help someone else. It's a gift to yourself and to someone else. Every day you do something that costs you, so why not do it one week with passion and for something that has a greater purpose?».
Javier Segovia lI would say that they should be encouraged because «Missionary Family also generates community, because you meet other families and people who have the same values as you. This is very motivating because you realize that you are doing well as a family, and that eventually your children choose a similar path; it is contagious.».
The experiences shared by the Segovia Garza and Martinez Flores families reflect the purpose of the missions: to undertake a journey of faith, service and dedication to others. Each testimony is an example of how being a missionary family is not only an opportunity to The purpose of the event was not only to share the Gospel, but also to collaborate, strengthen ties, form a community and live Holy Week through dedication and service through love of neighbor.
(Cover photo: Family Segovia Garza)
