Backpack

Within days of coming to Honduras as a missionary priest, I had a backpack – “mochila.”  I discovered that just about everyone, from little kids to older adults, had a backpack.

For me, I use my backpack mostly for liturgical ministries.  Therefore, it usually contains vestments for Mass (alb, cincture, stole, and chasuble); a flashlight for churches that do not yet have electricity in their community; pen; stickies; notebook with liturgies for special occasions (Baptisms, Wedding, Funerals, Burials, etc.); Sacred Chrism and Oil of the Sick; Book of Scripture Readings for each day; mini-stapler to staple Baptism forms together; plastic bags for collections; and the like.  I also have a large plastic container for things I’ll need including hosts; wine; chalice; altar linens; etc.  And while approximately 6 of our 87 parish’s churches have a Roman Missal, many do not, so I have to have a Roman Missal also.

The above photo shows my mochila, hat, and sunglasses; I’m “ready to roll!”