He always listens
We can simply sit with Jesus in silence because He always listens.
By Lily Perez
July 5, 2026
DAY 2: CAMINOS DE FE Y ESPERANZA
Hello Fr. Tom and parishioners,
Today was our first day of the young adult retreat here in Guatemala. Each missionary was assigned a small group. Before we met with them, Deacon Julio and his wife, Mary Cruz, performed a skit for everyone.
Before we started sharing, I told my group that I was nervous. I wanted them to know they didn’t have to be afraid to open up. As each person shared, I handed them the cross we received at our commissioning Mass so they could hold it while they spoke.
One young woman, Wendy, shared how her father was going to have a serious surgery. During that time, her family started going to Mass more often, praying together, and spending time in Adoration. In the end, her father didn’t need the surgery. She believes that prayer brought her family closer to God.
Another young woman, Lucky, shared that she didn’t used to go to church and often stayed out late. Her brother kept encouraging her to go to Mass. Eventually she started praying, changed the people she surrounded herself with, and now she believes God is the center of her life.
Their stories encouraged me to share a time in my own life when I was going through a difficult season. I told them how spending time in Adoration always brought me peace. Sometimes we don’t need to say anything we can simply sit with Jesus in silence because He always listens.
Today reminded me that God is working in every person’s life, and I feel so blessed to witness His love through these young people. Please continue to keep us and the young adults of this retreat in your prayers.
Lily Perez
