In November 2025, I joined the St. Francis Medical Mission on a medical mission trip to Costa Rica. Initially, I was apprehensive about traveling with a group of people I had never met, I quickly discovered that we shared a common purpose and soon became friends.

Before we ever arrived in Costa Rica, I was amazed by the extensive planning required to make the mission possible. The dedication of the missions’ leaders, who conducted extensive pre-mission preparations and reconnaissance, helped ensure the success of our efforts.

Our team served in the neighboring indigenous villages of Shiroles and China Kichá in the Talamanca Mountains of Costa Rica's Limón Province. The area is remote and beautiful, with rugged mountains, tropical rainforests, and river floodplains. Transportation is limited, with most people traveling by motorcycle, bicycle, horseback, or on foot.

The region is primarily home to the Bribri and Cabécar peoples, whose hospitality and gratitude deeply touched our hearts. Though we arrived as strangers, we were welcomed warmly. Their kindness reminded me of the importance of welcoming the stranger and recognizing the dignity of every person.

Each day, patients lined up before we arrived at the clinic. The mission provided medical, dental, vision, chiropractic and pharmaceutical services. Dedicated nurses performed triage while local clinic staff assisted our team and helped bridge language barriers.

During just three days of service, more than 1,500 patients were seen, from newborn infants to elderly adults. One of the most inspiring aspects was witnessing patients help one another communicate when language differences arose. Compassion and kindness were evident everywhere.

Not only did we bring them much needed medical care, but we also prayed with the people and celebrated Mass with them.

The people of Shiroles generously shared their culture and hospitality with us. Fresh coconuts, bananas and other fruits and vegetables were often given to our team. We stayed at Casa Esperanza, where meals were lovingly prepared by local women who made us feel at home.

One unforgettable event occurred on the third day. A woman arrived in a wheelchair, unable to walk. After receiving two chiropractic treatments, within a few hours, she walked out of the clinic on her own. The news quickly spread throughout China Kichá, and many villagers sought chiropractic care afterward. Given the physically demanding work many perform in coffee fields and shipping operations, back and neck pain were common concerns.

This mission taught me that service is about more than providing care. It is about building relationships, sharing hope and witnessing God's love at work. I returned home grateful for the opportunity and inspired by the resilience, generosity and faith of the people we served.

The next St. Francis Medical Mission trip will be Nov. 13-21 to Guatemala. If you feel called to get involved, contact stfrancismedicalmission16@gmail.com. Together, we can continue bringing hope, healing and God's love to communities in need around the world.

World Mission Sunday is Oct. 18.

Inspired by the dedication of our local missionaries, we continue to work to bring the message of Christ to every community, especially those most in need. Please give to the special collection taken up in your parish.