Puntos Corazon

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I had the opportunity to spend the night on Thursday and Friday at the two Puntos Corazon houses in Barrios Altos and Ensenada where the missionaries (from France, Honduras, U.S., Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany) live. Though only a very short time, it was beautiful to witness their community life, to be able to pray with them, and to spend time with the local people of the communities.

One of my favorite moments was praying the rosary with the missionaries and kids in Barrios Altos. Though it was probably the rosary with the most interruptions and opportunities for distractions that I have ever prayer, it was amazing to see young kids (4-10 years old more or less) come to pray the rosary. One kid wanted to lead one of the mysteries but was not behaving well and when asked to leave, he started screaming, crying, and shoving one of the girls. Other kids came in and out, were walking around, talking to the others, etc. But just the fact that they were there, with a great desire to pray (each in their own way – some shy and some very outspoken) astounded me. And the patience of the missionaries and their love and tenderness towards the kids was remarkable. They truly helped me see the gaze of Christ and His presence in the neighborhood.

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