
Serving with the Bishop: A Lesson in Faith and Giving
Serving alongside the Bishop of the Diocese of San José and the Order of Malta was an unforgettable experience. I arrived that day expecting to give, to help those in need, and to offer my support, but the day turned into something far more meaningful. It opened my eyes to the beauty of Christ in others and taught me to give not just my time but my heart, embracing the unexpected blessings that come from serving.
Serving alongside the Bishop of the Diocese of San José and the Order of Malta was an unforgettable experience. I arrived that day expecting to give, to help those in need, and to offer my support, but the day turned into something far more meaningful. It opened my eyes to the beauty of Christ in others and taught me to give not just my time but my heart, embracing the unexpected blessings that come from serving.
One moment that stood out was when Bishop Cantú blessed a man who remembered his late mother to Bishop. The grieving son’s gratitude and strong faith amid his struggles was a powerful testament to the comforting presence of God in difficult times. It was a reminder to all of us of the hope and comfort that faith brings, a reassurance that we are never alone in our trials.
Throughout the day, Bishop’s presence and the dedication of the Order of Malta inspired us volunteers. Their kindness and commitment to meeting people where they are demonstrated what it truly means to live out our faith. Throughout our volunteering, I witnessed genuine kindness from everyone involved. The Order of Malta generously provided food, shoes, and water, demonstrating their deep commitment to serving others. This is not just a one-time act, but something they do regularly.
Seeing the Bishop engage with the community and share God’s love left a lasting impression on me. This experience reminded me how beautiful it is to serve others. The joy and peace I found in simply being there for others were profound. What surprised me most was how much I received in return. The gratitude and faith of the people we served, gave back to us in ways I never expected. Everyone expressed their gratitude, not just in words, but in the appreciation that was evident in their faces
As I reflect on this day, I feel deeply grateful for the chance to participate in this outreach as well as the example set by our Bishop and the Order of Malta. Their work reminded me that helping others is at the heart of our faith, inspiring us all to share love, peace, and hope with the world.
Adriana Villagrana is a parishioner at Our Lady of Peace.