This morning, we are heading back home. After nine days on mission in the Dominican Republic, this group of rising seniors is making its way to Miami for some well-deserved rest and recovery. They did an incredible job, and the Belen community should be proud.
A few weeks ago, we were blessed to hear at Mass Matthew’s account of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (14:13–21). It’s one of the most beautiful and theologically rich passages in the life of Christ. So significant is the story that it’s found in all four Gospels. But reading it is one thing—living it is another.
When I came to the DR in March to scout for this trip, I chose the Janey water project because of its feasibility. After more than ten years of running this mission, I know what our boys can and cannot accomplish in nine days. Building a six-mile aqueduct to supply water to a village is right in our wheelhouse. You can’t ask for more.
Or can you?
Aware of my shortsightedness, I’m reminded of that same passage in Matthew’s Gospel. When the disciples told Jesus they had only five loaves and two fish, He replied, “Bring them here to me” (v.18). All Belen had was sixty boys, nine days, and six miles of work. Jesus said, Bring them here to me. So we did. And sure enough, He took it, blessed it, and multiplied it.
All six miles of our originally planned aqueduct were completed by Friday morning. Then, we learned of a small community three miles away called Calabaza. Due to its remoteness, it’s actually the poorest village in the area. With Jesus’ blessing and a day and a half of additional hard work, we realized we could reach even more people with water. That was all this group needed to hear. Mission completed.
As we sit at the Santiago airport, anxiously awaiting our flight, I can’t help but reflect on the extraordinary things that happen when we offer our small gifts to Jesus. Nothing is too little for Him. He fills the gaps and makes them whole. The Gospel stories are not just ancient tales of the past—they are as alive today as they were then. And these Belen boys lived them.
On behalf of these tired missionaries, thank you for the Hail Marys.
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba, by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the school's property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit is situated on a 34-acre site in western Dade County, just minutes away from downtown Miami.