Sights & Sounds: Building God’s kingdom in Dominican Republic
In the Gospels, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed:
It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’”
(Matthew 13:32)
From July 25 – Aug. 1, a group of 13 teens from Immaculate Conception Parish in Montclair, NJ, experienced that parable firsthand when they traveled to the city of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. There they visited Hogar Immanuel, a residential care home run by Mustard Seed Communities. The organization provides lifelong care for children and adults with disabilities and others who are vulnerable or marginalized.
Witnessing love in action
The young missionaries were chaperoned by six parishioners from Immaculate Conception, along with their pastor Father Benny Prado, who said that the Mustard Seed Communities had been “close to my heart for more than 20 years.”
“My journey began in 2005, when a young adult invited me to join a mission trip,” Father Prado said. “I was nervous and unsure of what to expect, but the following year I traveled to Jamaica and witnessed the extraordinary love and dedication of those caring for the children and adults at Mustard Seed. That experience changed my life.”
He has since led student and parish groups on mission trips to Mustard Seed homes in Jamaica, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. “When I came to Immaculate Conception in 2017, I was grateful to continue that ministry with our parish,” he said, adding that this was the parish’s first time returning to the community since the pandemic.
A life-changing experience
48 children and young adults receive individualized care at Hogar Immanuel.
“Throughout the week, the missionaries served alongside the Hogar Immanuel community, building meaningful relationships with residents and staff while sharing joy, laughter, prayer, and love,” said Mary Peters, the parish’s faith formation coordinator, who was a chaperone on the trip. “Their days were filled with hard work, fellowship, and unforgettable moments that opened their hearts to the beauty and dignity of every person they encountered.”
During their trip, the group also visited the Puerto Plata’s Catedral San Felipe Apóstol, where they attended a Mass celebrated by Bishop Julio César Corniel Amaro.
Peters added that the week was more than a service trip, calling it a “life-changing journey” that deepened the faith of participants and “inspired them to continue bringing Christ’s love to others.”
For Father Prado, the experience was also a homecoming of sorts.
“Seeing the impact this mission had on our teens reminded me why this ministry has remained so close to my heart,” he said. “It was a beautiful and transformative experience for all of us.”
To view more images from Immaculate Conception Parish’s mission trip to the Dominican Republic, CLICK HERE.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women, and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
Featured image: Bishop Julio César Corniel Amaro of the Diocese of Puerto Plata, poses with Fr. Benny Prado, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church and a group of teens and their chaperones from the Montclair, NJ, parish. They were on a mission trip to a Mustard Seed community in the city from July 25 – August 1. (Photos courtesy of Mary Peters)
