IFTTT Autopost 
Missionary priests always need to be on their toes, for they never know what they’ll encounter when they visit the various churches of their parish. Sometimes they learn they have baptisms, or First Reconciliations and First Communions, or whatever.
On November 25, 2023, I experienced a “first” in my missionary life. Fortunately, it was a very interesting and good experience.
I went to celebrate Mass in one of the 40 churches of my parish, San Francisco de Asís. The church is called San José Obrero, or St. Joseph the Worker, and it is in the Reitocan village of Azacualpita. I had celebrated Mass there many times, so I figured I’d be asked to celebrate Reconciliation for most of the congregation before Mass, for that is one of the most devout church communities of our parish.
However, when I got to Azacualpita, I learned that we were having an outdoor Mass in the hills above the town. When we got to the location, I was amazed to see people from many of the villages of the municipality of Reitoca, all present to celebrate Mass as members of the Legion of Mary.
The location was a beautiful area surrounded by huge mango trees that grow wild in our parish’s mountains. Huge black rocks were also surrounding the area, making great seating places for kid, teens, and adults.
The people had set up a fine altar for me (in the above photo), and there was an abundance of flowers (which grow all year round in our part of the world), streamers of various colors, candles, and other decorations. It was my first “Mango Mass,” and I was delighted to see so many great leaders of the various Reitocan churches of our parish.
