Seven students from Presentation Academy were commissioned Sept. 20 at Nazareth, Kentucky, as they prepare to travel to Las Flores, Belize, with Nazareth Volunteer Ministry.
Abigail Galligan, Nora Diehl, Anna Lay, Charley Manz, Sloane Gregory, Magdalena Spalding and Sophia Gosden will travel to Belize from Sept. 30 through Oct. 9. They will be accompanied by Sister Amina Bejos and Johna Fortener.
Together, the team will take part in Nazareth Volunteer Ministry’s home build program, helping construct a home in honor of Sister Edna Fabre.
Sister Edna taught Spanish at Presentation Academy from 1979 to 2007, forming generations of students during nearly three decades at the school. The upcoming trip gives these students an opportunity to continue that spirit of service while building relationships with the people of Las Flores.
During the commissioning service at Mass, Sister Amina read the name of each student. Nazareth Volunteer Ministry Coordinator Jasmine Huston lit a candle and passed it to Sister Edna, who then placed it in the hands of each student as she was commissioned for the journey.
The moment connected Sister Edna’s many years at Presentation Academy with the service these students are preparing to offer in her honor.
Following Mass, the group spent time visiting with Sisters at Nazareth, including Sister Maggie Cooper, who has spent many years ministering in Belize. She shared stories and insight about the country and the communities the students will soon visit.
Nazareth Volunteer Ministry commissions groups before they leave for service experiences, sending them forth with the prayers and support of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth community.
The Presentation Academy team leaves Sept. 30. More stories and photos will be shared as the students travel to Belize, work alongside the Las Flores community and help build a family’s new home.