April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
MISSIONARIES OF JESUS
Prayer group connects Spanish Catholics
Members of Misioneros de Jesus (Missionaries of Jesus) gather at St. Mary's parish in Amsterdam every Thursday for three hours of lively prayer and worship.
"We believe in miracles," group leader Adan Fuentes told The Evangelist through a translator. "I've seen a lot of people come through here."
Misioneros de Jesus was created by Neil Velez, a Catholic from New Jersey who believes his strong faith helped him overcome health issues. He went on to write books and start the worldwide prayer movement.
The group, which has been active in Amsterdam for more than three years now, believes members' prayers can have impressive effects. They call people's recoveries from alcoholism and cancer miraculous and give all of the credit to God, who has inspired them.
The prayer meetings consist of the Rosary, praise, songs and Bible-reading. A band plays contemporary music while people trickle in throughout the first hour or so, each one greeted like family as they join in the prayers.
Some "relate their own experiences to the Bible," said Erica Cordone, a member of the group. And "when there's somebody in need, we help them."
Aside from their weekly meetings, group members also make home visits to help others get better connected to God. They focus on community, noting that they are always there for one another. If a member has financial difficulties, the group might take up a collection.
"We're family," said Vilma Reyes, who attends the prayer group every week. "If I don't come, I feel like I'm not doing well."
Another chapter of the group meets on Sundays at the St. Joseph's parish in Stuyvesant Falls/Stottville. Rev. Daniel Quinn, parochial vicar for the parish, said the group is "very charismatic. They have a wonderful concern and reverence for the Eucharist."
He also noted that members bought a van to help people get to and from Mass. "They are very responsive to other's needs," he said.
The group can be energizing, said member Maria Clavel: "You can express something and nobody judges you."
Misioneros de Jesus is open to anyone, said Ms. Cordone, noting that the group is all about strengthening faith; in fact, its logo features the outline of a dove with the word "fe," Spanish for "faith."
Belonging to the prayer group "fills that spiritual emptiness," said Carlos Feliz. "Every week, we just want more of that."
(For more information about Misioneros de Jesus, call St. Mary's parish at 518-842-4500.)[[In-content Ad]]
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