Dear Friend,

I spent Holy Week and Easter in our Jamaican mission, Mary Gate of Heaven, in Negril. I visited my friend, Errol Forrester, whom I baptized two years ago, on his small farm in the hills where he lives in a little shack with no running water or electricity. Errol was dependent on God’s rain and his bicycle for his livelihood.

Thanks to you, me and the friars in Jamaica, Errol has obtained two water tanks holding about 1,600 gallons. PVC pipe and strategically located spigots—all installed by him—allows him to irrigate. His old bicycle was recently replaced with a new motor scooter. Now he has more produce and a better distribution system. He can also save some taxi fare—he can come to daily Mass on his scooter.

Other life giving water flows in Negril, too. At the Easter Vigil Julie Lewis and Andrew Nosworthy were baptized. Evangelicals go to the sea. We went to Miss Pansy’s pool at the Rayon Hotel two doors down. Back at church, Bilouxi English came into full communion through her profession of faith.

I presided on Easter Sunday, greeting about 300 people, mostly tourists. We rented a tent for the overflow crowd—the sun is quite hot by 10 a.m. Br. Vince reminded me that the tent was expensive, so after a scintillating homily I mentioned that fact and that we are a poor diocese and church. It was the best collection Br. Vince has had in his five years there. What can I say? Spirits were high and the celebration joyous.

And to top off an incredible week, the Easter Bunny visited. The Jamaican children—and adults, for that matter, had never seen him before. He was a big hit and was grateful that customs officials never inspected Fr. Jim’s oversized suitcase.

Because of you these things happen, not just in Jamaica but in every place we serve. The poor are helped with their livelihood, the Gospel is preached and responded to and Franciscan joy is spread around. We can use your help to support our ministry. No gift is too small or too big.

P.S. The Solemn Novena to St. Anthony begins on April 15 and continues to the feast on June 13. You can post your intention here for the National Shrine of St. Anthony. The Franciscan Friars and other friends of St. Anthony will join you in prayer. Light a candle for your intention or a loved one at the Shrine of St. Anthony.