The CARF Foundation provides backpacks of sacred vessels to seminarians who are to be ordained as priests, as was the case of Hanzell Renatoallowing them to celebrate the Eucharist in rural areas of resource-poor countries.
Hanzell, ordained priest in September 2021 and appointed pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Boaco Viejo, expresses his gratitude for this support. He notes that, thanks to the backpack, he has been able to celebrate Mass with dignity; visit the sick and impart the sacrament of Anointing and bless homes in rural areas. This resource is essential for priests serving in regions with limited resources, facilitating the administration of the sacraments and strengthening the faith in isolated communities.
"I thank the board of trustees I would like to thank the CARF Foundation's Social Action team for their closeness and support, both spiritual and material. I would like to share with you that the backpack of sacred vessels that they gave me, a gift on May 28, 2021, has been a great help to me in the mission that I now have".
Hanzell Renato studied Theology at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of University of Navarra and during his stay in Spain, he resided at the Bidasoa International Seminary.
The backpack is an indispensable resource for priests working in isolated and under-resourced regions. It contains the necessary elements to celebrate the Eucharist, such as the chalice, paten and other liturgical accessories.
This allows priests to celebrate Holy Mass with dignity even in adverse conditions, bringing the presence of Christ to places where communities do not have access to a church.
"On one occasion, I met a community of faithful who had not participated in the Eucharist for months, a pain for not having Mass. Thanks to the backpack, I was able to offer them the Eucharist and feel the joy of bringing them closer to God," adds Hanzell.
Hanzell's testimony reflects the mission of many priests in rural areas of Latin America, who face challenges such as lack of infrastructure, long distances and scarce material resources. With the support of the CARF Foundation, these difficulties are transformed into opportunities to strengthen the faith of their faithful communities, often in rural areas that are difficult to access.
Pedro Antonio is another priest from a Central American diocese and an alumnus of the international weekly Bidasoa. He writes to thank us for the gift of the backpack of sacred vessels he received from the volunteers of the Social Action Board of the CARF Foundation.
"I am Pedro Antonio, a priest from Central America and an alumnus of the Bidasoa International Seminary. First of all, I want to thank God for the opportunity to have studied at the University of Navarra, especially for allowing me to form my priestly heart in Bidasoa.
The truth is that without the help of the trainers and so many good people from the CARF Foundation, it would be impossible to carry out this great work. A year ago I received as a gift, a backpack of sacred vessels with the necessary to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. On June 12, 2021, I was ordained a priest and the time had come to wear it.. After my ordination I remained as a collaborator at the shrine of Our Lady of Candelaria, my home parish," writes Pedro.
Jesus Melean is a priest of the Diocese of Cabimas, Venezuela. He studied Theology at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra and was a resident at the Bidasoa Seminary. Before returning to his country, he received the backpack of sacred vessels from the volunteers of the Social Action Board.
"This weekend I was able to celebrate Mass with a group of young people that I have the opportunity to accompany in their spiritual life. The backpack of sacred vessels has been a gift that I value very much because it is being very useful for this type of celebrations.
I have Mass once a month in different communities and this gift helps me to celebrate the Eucharist worthily everywhere.
Always grateful to the CARF Foundation for this gift... I could say that it is a gift that helps us to give (bring) Christ to others".
The CARF Foundation is dedicated to providing academic, human and spiritual formation to seminarians, diocesan priests and religious men and women from countries around the world, mainly those with scarce resources.
The donations and prayers of benefactors enable these priests to carry out their pastoral mission with dignity and effectiveness. The CARF Foundation supports the promotion of infrastructure, formation and support projects for parishes in vulnerable areas.
"Every contribution we receive from benefactors has a direct impact on the lives of thousands of people. They not only help diocesan priests, but the entire community they serve," notes a CARF Foundation spokesperson.
If you want to be part of this mission, you can make a donation here on our website. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps bring the sacraments to those who need them most, strengthening the faith and hope of all. With the support of benefactors and volunteers, the CARF Foundation continues to transform lives and ensure that the message of Christ reaches every corner of the world.
