Alexa is on mission in Peru.

The first time I visited our weekly apostolate, a juvenile detention center for around 800 boys, I attended the Baptism and first Communion of 20 of the boys in the center. As different thoughts were running through my head, I entered the chapel expecting to witness and share this moment from the confines of the back rows. However, the woman in charge walked up to me and asked if I could be the “Madrina” (Godmother) for one of the boys. I was surprised and stuttered, “Uhhh yes of course,” and followed her without a question. 

The woman led me to a very young looking 15 year old boy, who appeared just as nervous as I was, if not more. I reached out my hand to greet him, but when I looked up, I saw that his eyes were watering. Glancing around, I realized that almost everyone else had someone there for them. My eyes, too, began to water. 

However, I immediately started asking questions. I asked him what his name was, where he was from, and how many siblings he had. He answered quietly and told me he had been in the facility for one year, but still had two more. He didn’t tell me what he did, but that didn’t matter. He told me he was excited to receive his sacraments, which made me hopeful for him and his future. 

When it came time for his Baptism we were both moved to tears again – this time because we were amazed by God’s presence to us that day in the sacrament. My tears were also of awe and joy, as I was able to witness this boy’s decision to join the Church and follow Christ. Although, I felt sad for him and the situation that he is in, I believe that God is merciful and loves him. If we choose to follow God, He will be there, like He was in this moment for me and this boy.