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 T rinity Missions runs a preparatory seminary in Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica. Here, young men interested in one day becoming Trinity Missionary priests and Brothers begin their long journey. Priest-candidates pursue studies necessary to prepare for the college and theology courses they will need for ordination. These students come from all over Central America. Meet a few of them.
Leonel is one of three children raised in a rural area of El Salvador. His home was a center of religious activity in the area and noted for its hospitality and sharing. Because the neighbors look out for each other, early on Leonel had an interest in serving the needy. At 19, he helped his neighbors gain independence by finding a market for the simple products they make with their own hands at home. He kept track of the “business” end of things, such as the filing and bookkeeping. After two years, the project was a success and the people were on their own.
This is the spirit that motivated Leonel to apply to be a Trinity Missionary. He was accepted for our seminary in Costa Rica. There, Leonel is continuing the kind of service he provided at home. He was elected treasurer at the school the students attend. He once organized them to pool their contributions each month so that a student from El Salvador could continue his studies by receiving the treatment he needed for his epilepsy.
Outside of class, he volunteers for work in a local orphanage where he assures these children that, although they have been denied many of the blessings other children have, God still loves them as individuals and will look after them as a loving Father.
Also helping at the orphanage is Juan Francisco, from a rural family in Honduras, far from any large city. From a young age, he helped his family with their subsistence farm and was active in parish youth groups. He learned about Trinity Missions and was impressed with their love for the poor. He knew they were right about involving the laity in response to the needy because, from his own experience, he realized many Catholic communities do not have a resident priest.
Juan Francisco says one of the unexpected surprises of being at the Trinity Missions Preparatory Seminary is getting to know students from other countries. He has come to see them as individuals, not nationalities. He realizes this will be good when he becomes a Trinity Missionary working among a variety of people.
Nerys’ background is that of a poor rural family in Colombia. His apostolic work is heading a team of volunteers who work in a government center for the homeless not far from the seminary. Most are migrants fleeing the troubles in Nicaragua. They feel rejected by all and easily slip into alcohol and drugs. Nerys welcomes them, giving them a chance to shower (cold water — but it is the tropics) and get rid of the lice and pests they accumulate. He gets them clean, used clothing. Those who respond to such kindness go on to government rehabilitation centers where they can get into the 12-step programs that will turn their lives around.
Nerys says, “While we are not yet Trinity Missionaries, we do show their spirit. We are not there to fix people in the sense of solving their problems for them. We are there to walk with them through the struggles and sometimes horror of their journeys. We let them feel loved and respected as human beings.”
As you can see, these young men come to us from their own backgrounds, bringing a deep love and concern for the poor. Even while studying rigorous subjects, they still want to help others—and they find the time to do so. We are encouraged by the spirit these young men bring to Trinity Missions—a spirit that lies at the heart of our work.
Because they come from such poor backgrounds, we find it necessary to subsidize their school work and upkeep at the seminary. For this we rely on the generosity of our benefactors like you. On behalf of all our students, thank you!
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