When we returned to Peru in December we brought gold monstrances with us that had been donated by a special lady named Sue.  We distributed them to needy parishes along with rosaries, priest's vestments and other gifts.
   
    One of the monstrances was given to Hilda, a native lay missionary, who works with Mission Possible.  We also presented her with rosaries and a large statue of our Blessed Mother and clothing for the people, which she took to a remote area high in the Andes mountains to the chapel of Pacamarco - Huancayo.

     On January 6th the native priest placed the large consecrated white host in the monstrance and  along with the new statue of  Our Lady, Maria Auxiliadora, was carried in procession through the plaza to the Chapel of Pacamarco - Huancayo.

     A little boy was the first to see the face of Jesus in the host.  He exclaimed "Jesus! Jesus!" as he pointed to the monstrance.  Then all the people saw the face of Jesus in the host and fell to their knees in adoration.  The face of Christ remained visible during the procession and the Benediction service in the chapel.  Fr. Tom raised the monstrance and blessed the people.  After he finished blessing the people the host  became a normal white host again.

     Truly, a beautiful miracle of God's love for these simple mountain people and a witness to all of us, of the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of  the Holy Eucharist.

      Cana Classes are offered to couples living together who have never had the opportunity of the sacrament of matrimony.. Some had been living together for 39 years.  Almost all of those attending  never got married because they didn't have the money to get married.  The classes give religious instructions and practical advice on family values such as being faithful mates, responsible parents, and a good example to their children. 

     We assist them in getting their documents, which often involves travel to distant places to get their birth and baptism certificates.  Those who have never been baptized receive instructions and are baptized .  Those who never had the opportunity  to receive the Blessed Sacrament receive their first Holy Communion.

     The girls are delighted when they get to select a wedding dress that fits them from the Mission Possible boxes.  The men receive white shirts, ties and pants. Each couple also receives a wedding present such as blankets or silverware.

     Eleven couples were married in Lima and twelve couples in Chimbote.