Hello everyone,
It’s been a long, long while - too long - since the last update, outside of the fundraiser. I’ve been busy in Boston with some new developments and continued work. And the mission continues in all of life, and the relationship with Ecuador continues as an essential part of that. So, I want to share an update.
Pope francis
I just want to start by saying that words can’t express what effect Pope Francis had on my mission, Barriers to Bridges. At a time when I had left a seminary that seemed so opposed to the theme of Barriers to Bridges that moved around the back of my mind, I arrived in Ecuador to spend a year in mission, with a vision that grew out of years of prayer and reflection and experience and ministries with people in the desert of life. I remember the very day that we heard that a new pope had been elected. I was with a group of visiting college students in mission, in a remote village, and we went to someone’s small house and gathered around a small TV with rabbit ears. I remember the celebration and excitement to find out the new pope was from Latin America, it was mind-blowing. And that he took the name “Francis”! And finally that he was a Jesuit! Being in Ecuador and called to mission, and with a Franciscan spirituality blended with Ignatian discernment, it was like a dream come true for me!
Right away, he began to speak about being and building bridges, about mission, and that he wanted a poor church for the poor. A focus on the simple Gospel, discernment and synodality, against clericalism and overdevelopment. And what so many people opposed to him didn’t seem to understand was that his approach was explained simply and clearly in the name he took: Francis.
I felt so validated in my life and mission, at a time when the rest of my church experience was definitively not that way. Over the last 12 years, Pope Francis has at times been for me the only real light in the church that has kept me connected.
So my heart moves as it has been time to say goodbye to Pope Francis. I’ve only begun to reflect on and appreciate the connection he has been to my own mission, and what you see here in Barriers to Bridges. As we separate and say goodbye in one way, I have hope in Christ that his presence returns in another way, spiritually. As that unfolds, I ask him and you for continued prayers, and everyone remains in mine. May we all continue to know his presence with us in spirit, in God’s grace.
May he rest in the peace of Christ that God has prepared for him. Goodbye for this way, Pope Francis, and I hope to know you more over time.
MORE ABOUT LIFE AND MISSION IN ECUADOR
As I’ll note below, I hope to return to Ecuador this year for a little bit. The length of stay will depend on a number of new things, and the vision continues, as always:
“For the vision is a witness for the appointed time, a testimony to the end; it will not disappoint. If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late.”
As I mentioned last year, I’ve taken new and important steps in bringing together the spiritual and social/language/cultural aspects of the mission into a practical vision. I’m excited about that, but it is a lot of work, and since these are new concepts that aren’t really recognized, there’s a need not only to generate and present examples of the vision, but earn confidence at the same time. This past year, that has slowed a bit in part because of more work I’ve been doing at the school, but I hope to refocus on it in the summer.
There are greater practical possibilities for this in Boston, but the root is the relationship with Christ rooted in the mission both in Boston and in Ecuador. So, there continues a development of relationship of people and activities in both Ecuador and Boston, and a going back and forth.
“But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.”
CURRENT EVENTS IN ECUADOR
Migration and Crime
Elevated crime continues, but still primarily only in certain areas on the coast. Elevated migration also continues. But for probably 99% of the people, life continues much the same as before. The current president is trying to actively confront the narcotraffic system whose international dimension has swelled since the pandemic, causing the surge in problems. To do that, he’s beginning to solicit international help, including militaries of other countries as well as a private military US-based organization. It’s certainly controversial, and it seems the Ecuadorian people are stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place.
Presidential Elections
The first round of elections in February were dominated by the incumbent rightist president Daniel Noboa and a leftist challenger Luisa Gonzalez. Luisa is from the party of Rafael Correa, who was president from 2007-2017. Noboa won the runoff between the two on April 13, and so has another 4 years to implement his plan, so we will see!
As I mentioned last time, hopefully, the small steps in Ecuador can grow into a resolution of the current crisis and a new level of peace and stability.
in Chontal
In Chontal, there’s been something of a big development.
I received a communication on Feb 2 from the president Inés that the community had decided to do three things:
have a fundraiser for Rafaela, the daughter of Arsenio and Janeth Bosmediano who I’ve spoken about here
have a fundraiser to put a roof over the schoolyard, which is fully exposed to sun and rain.
Create a reserve financial fund to address community members who fall into need.
From my perspective, this was a huge step, and one that I had been dreaming of since my first days there. It in some way reflects my own relationship with the community, and these are three very things that I had wished could come about, but without my intervention. And the fact that they did without my asking or pushing, but on their own, from the community itself, to me is the very goal of “mission”. It meant that somehow the people have freely received and accepted something interior, beyond the exterior financing of the church building. It left me so satisfied, that I could say with Simeon on the very same day the church celebrates his own words:
““Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.””
There’s a lot to say, but to get this out sooner rather than later, I’ll keep it succinct.
I’m in contact with Rafaela’s mother Janeth. The fundraiser for Rafaela was in early March and gained them about $1200, and I was able to contribute $405 from our fundraiser. But Rafaela’s needs continue to climb. She urgently needs open heart surgery, and she’s now on multiple medications for life, including thyroid medications. Costs are rising.
I’ll be looking to design and plan an additional fundraiser (or more) as this year progresses, for her and the other two points I mentioned. Please feel free to reach out if you want to discuss how you might want to participate!
IN Mindo
I have some sad news from Mindo: Baby Zoe is now in palliative care because of the complications of her sickness, Leigh Syndrome. The family is talking it through, and it’s a miracle that they’ve been able to work through it all so far. Zoe’s beeing dealing with a saliva and coughing problem for 2 months, but since a leading cause of death from Leigh Syndrome is respiratory failure, doctors are taking steps to determine if the cause of this bout is deterioration of her lungs. The life expectancy with Leigh Syndrome is only a few years, and the family is open to the reality that it’s time to make preparations and focus on palliative care for Zoe.
ECUADOR - BOSTON
Language in Communion
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I had started doing some online language with Ecuadorians, starting with people in Chontal. I was able to accomplish a goal of offering it in-person in Chontal, while re-doing it again from the ground up as I took the certification course in pronunciation. I’m more confident in it now, but also recognize it’s auxiliary value next to the core activity: promoting and accompanying people becoming adult language/culture learners in communion.
There are opportunities to participate if you are interested:
participate and/or assist in a language sharing group: becoming a language learner and sharing one’s own language
financially contribute to join with the community effort to come together, and support the members most in need while receiving more
If either or both of these interest you, please post a comment below or feel free to contact me: jerome@barriers2bridges.org
Into the Waters: An International Immersion Visit & Retreat
Although this has (STILL) been on the back burner, I’m still very interested in this opportunity for interested people from the States. I’m still in the process of working out the details, which you can check out by expanding the section below. If you are interested in an 9-day, guided visit to Ecuador in a small group of 4 or less, to join with me in dipping into the culture with local people, feel free to contact me: jerome@barriers2bridges.org.
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• Arrival / Urban life and roots: 3 days in the capital Quito and in Otavalo
○ Up at 9400 feet, we’ll start in Quito and immerse in the culture, including a visit to the equator and the historical center. Next, we’ll visit Otavalo, a global indigenous center.
• Rural life and roots: 2 days in Chontal, a remote rural village in the medio-Andes.
○ At about 2100 ft, in a subtropical cloud forest climate, we’ll experience the rhythm of a simpler, poor rural life, integrated into the life of the local people, including the agricultural roots of Ecuador.
• Retreat & relaxation: 3 days in Mindo, an ecotourist center for relaxation, retreat, and reflection.
○ A global bird-watching attraction, we’ll relax in lodgings very close to nature. Waterfalls, chocolate factories, butterfly farms, artisan shops and a retreat center will provide context for a time of guided reflection and discussion.
• Return: 1 day in Quito to prepare for a return
We will be traveling among the local people, by public transportation and taxis, along routes that I’ve known for years. You must make a signed commitment to stay with me at all times and follow any guidelines I present. We’ll have a period of private time each day for prayer, reflection, or relaxation.
Other notes:
• Travel: There will be some bus travel times from 2 to 6 hours in some cases, where we will see the mountain- and country-sides.
• Safety: We won’t be in the high-risk zones related to narco-trafficking and high crime.
• Health: Certain vaccinations may be suggested. Traveler’s health insurance is at one’s own discretion.
PREACHING/TEACHING & WORKSHOPS
ALM: SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS
Website/Blog
On the homepage of this site, you can find the latest spiritual reflections that I post to A Living Monstrance. Or, you can visit the site directly here. These reflections come from my spirituality and lifestyle, and are guideposts along the journey.
Books
I’ve also collected the reflections into a series of books, each one containing 150 reflections, in sequential order. The latest book is up to the year 2017, and I have made some progress publishing two more in the series. They’ll make it to publication some day in the next year, hopefully!
You can order any of the books by going here to Lulu.
REFLECTION TEACHING VIDEOS
I have a few series of videos, for your prayer and social life, that go further and deeper than the reflections of ALM. You may find them uplifting if you’re wondering how to pray and understand the Scriptures to find something life-changing in them; and if you’re wondering about how to sort through what is often a confusing social landscape.
Food in the Desert
This video series introduces a way to find food in the Gospels, by reading and living them in the same dynamic in which they were original created. You don’t need to be a scholar, just willing to accept and follow the same Spirit of the authors. (Spanish versions are included later in the playlist.)
A Spirituality of Equality
This video series, produced during the Great Pause of the pandemic, invites you into the village of Chontal to walk along a path of reflection about human equality from a Gospel spirituality and lifestyle. (Spanish subtitles are available on all videos.)
SPIRITUAL REFLECTION WORKSHOPS
I’m still offering a variety of workshops, for both English and Spanish speakers. They focus on life transitions by understanding, sharing and memorializing your unique personal life stories, through a small group encounter with the Christian Paschal mystery of life, death, and resurrection. If you are interested in any of them, please contact me directly: jerome@barriers2bridges.org
Re-Birth from the Pandemic
Are you experiencing confusion or anxiousness as the pandemic experience moves to the rearview mirror? The scripture is full of “40” stories: stories about rebirth. Encountering these stories together with our own can help you get back in touch with your personal journey and see a way ahead with hope.
Your Tree of Life
This is a foundational vocation discernment workshop that helps us discover more who we truly are and what we are called to do, from the root of our being. It focuses practically on ministry and/or career discernment, but the experience enters into all of life.
In the beginning creation story of Adam and Eve, the Hebrew people are invited to remember the story of origin that recalls who God made them to truly be, as well as their human weakness that can separate them from following through on this authenticity. The mystery of Christ brings us back into the original garden and gives us access to the Tree of Life. The expression of this mystery in this workshop - through basic applied principles of discernment from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola - allows us to remember our own personal True You stories that make up the core of our own tree of life, as well as those life stories that show us how the protective bark of that tree breaks down.
If you are looking for something to give you a new step in clarity, freedom, energy, and peace - to help you remember again who you really are - this workshop could be for you.
Taller Mi Pascua de Inmigración
This is a foundational workshop retreat for immigrants (now for Spanish-speakers), in which each person has the space to remember, unpack, tell, and honor their story of migration, following the testimony by the People of God of their leaving Egypt and crossing the Red Sea to begin a new stage of life with God. If you know any Spanish-speaking immigrants who you think might be interested, please feel free to send them the information flyer at the More Information button below.
Boston
I’ve been living still in the temporary basement in Roslindale, everything has been great. It’s a great fit so far, and I’m grateful to be here!
I’ve been able to catch up with a number of people over the last year or so being back. If you’re around and want to connect, please feel free to reach out.
Language and Culture
Starting in August 2023, I was working again online for the Harborside School in East Boston, for adult immigrants (largely Spanish speakers from Latin America). I’m teaching one beginner-level English class, am an advisor for 2 more, and have been teaching basic computer use classes as well. It’s been good to have some income and stay connected, the people are good people, though the vision of language learning and forming community is different from mine. I’ve been able at times to share language learning skills and pronunciation teaching and tools at times as well. Pronunciation skills are universally looked for, and I taught a pronunciation class at the school last summer and will likely teach it again this summer.
Last year, I completed a round of the pronunciation courses with some new and old learners, which went very well. We’ll be looking soon to start classes again with a mix of newer and older learners.
The ultimate goal is to develop the course participants into a group, that could meet as desired at regular intervals in an open but guided format. The group was would focused on the identity of becoming language and culture learners, and include specific themes regarding those identities. The pronunciation course is a sort of “baptism”, which leads to a more open exploration. Developing this will be at the center of renewed efforts once the school year calms down!
Spiritual and Pastoral
When I first came back to Boston, I had some Latino immigrants express interest in:
a workshop/help in learning how to pray
The approach of becoming an adult language learner
the pronunciation course
the migration workshop
I’m aiming to renew efforts along all these lines, which have been back-burnered as my energies have been dedicated a lot to my first year teaching experience.
Additionally, a new Spanish language Mass has started at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston, operated by OFM Franciscans. If you remember in the years 2014-2018, I was active in a Latino community at the Shrine with a Spanish Mass. Well, a new priest has arrived from years of service in Lima, Peru, where he knew a number of members of the St. James Society that I had known. In any case, the group, which includes several people from the previous incarnation, is small but we are active in coming together and cooperating with a sense of communion. It’s good for me to be in a space where new buds are growing!
Time in Boston and Ecuador
I’m focused these days on the mission in Boston, as my girlfriend and current work are here! But I continue in contact with many people in Ecuador (including planned collaboration with Chontal from a distance), and hope to return to Ecuador this summer for a spell.
Health
My health has been great overall. My hip bothers me a bit now and then, but there haven’t been anymore major bouts of pain that affect my normal activities or sleep. (A shoulder has been hurting me, but not affecting my life.) I haven’t experienced any heart problems either. My weight and overall fitness are very good. (The public transportation system here in Boston keeps me running and walking, and in good shape!)
Financials
There are no significant changes in the B2B financial situation, I’m hoping to offer more the pronunciation course and spiritual/vocation workshops, which can generate some income.
Here are the 2025 financials for Barriers to Bridges (I’m still working on updating the balance sheet). Again, a big thank you to those make gifts, no matter who small. It's much appreciated.
Other Stuff
I hope to have more photos of odds and ends to share in an upcoming update!
Reflection & Vision
Many years ago, I was in the seminary and I left in 2012. I then headed down to Ecuador full-time, where the relationship with Chontal and the Ecuadorian people in general was coming alive, and I began focusing on living with people who were poor. I was full of wonder and attraction and discovering all the good there was amidst what seemed like a poor life. I found treasure in the people, and wanted to join together and was excited to see if everyone could blossom. I had big hopes and ideas.
And I paid a price for that. A lot of folks, even in family and church, thought I was insane, pretty out there. Well, they didn't have to say it to my face - the lack of support speaks. So I was basically on my own from people on my own, finding new relationships and opportunities - and God gave me a lot. And there were roadblocks. Initiatives stepped on, being essentially buried and put down as a threat, left out, and sometimes outright insulted. After years, not officially belonging to anything, nothing has seemed to be “successful”. And in the meantime, I watched a lot of support go to the very folks who left me out, as people look at me as someone lost and doing his own thing, some just not wanting anything to do with me at all. If you ever need to meet someone who knows repeated failure and rejection, talk to this guy right here. But it seems like I keep rising back up and going. In fact, I don’t have regrets. It seems like I'm actually on a good road. In the words of Pope Francis:
"This, too, is poverty: the experience of failure. Jesus’ experience, who was rejected and crucified, prefigures the destiny of His messenger. And it’s only if we are united to Him, dead and risen, that we succeed in finding the courage of evangelization."
Well, a few years into this mission, I visited an indigenous community in the mountains. It was a bit torn apart from the effects of migration out of the country: many younger people had left. And I had come to know some of the folks from the community who had migrated to my home state in the US. I was going on behalf of them to bring support at Christmas time.
On the last night of my visit, the community came together in the little wooden chapel they have, and spread out shawls on the floor as people brought different baskets of foods for a pambamesa. The leader then invited me up in front of everyone, shared some words, and then surprised me with a poncho, a used extra one from the community. I took off my coat, and he placed the poncho over my head, and everyone applauded. It surprised me and I didn't know what really to say in the moment except a humble thanks and how amazed and honored I felt. But we all then celebrated with some music and food. I still treasure that poncho.
And it was at that very same time, many miles away in a huge cathedral, that the guys I had been in the seminary with, were having their brand-new, priestly cloaks placed over them in their Mass for ordination.
When I realized that, I thought: what is the uniform of Jesus?
Do you know that the word humility comes from the word "the ground"? Being humble means being on the ground. Near the end of Jesus' life, he is led away carrying a cross. Finally, when they get to the top of the hill outside the main gate of the city, they take Jesus' clothes off. And then, they lay him down on the ground on a wooden beam, and line up nails for his hands, and drive them through to the wood behind them. They line up his feet and do the same. It's gruesome. What are they doing?
They're putting his uniform on him.
He's got a crown and now he has a uniform.
Soon, we're going to celebrate Easter Sunday, the resurrection. The disciples are behind locked doors and afraid, and then Jesus comes in. And the disciples go crazy with excitement. It's because Jesus shows them his hands and his side.
They see his wounds.
They recognize his uniform.
No one goes through life without being hurt. Work accidents. Loss of a child, to death, or drugs, or broken relationships. Betrayal by the people you trusted most. Your life and reputation destroyed by the person you gave your life to. Physical assaults and violence. War and bullying. Family breakdowns and forced separations from the ones you love the most. Natural disasters and diseases that take life and property, sometimes in the most unfair and shocking way. Things that we do to hurt others, on purpose or by accident, and that always hurt us too.
All the things that put us on the ground, and pierce us all the way through and make us ask "Why?"
You have some. I have some.
Wounds.
And in those, God is giving us something. He's giving us his Son so we have hope to keep rising back up and going.
So that one day, some day after the journey is over, we might have a crown like him, too.
And our own uniform.
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Judeans, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.”
“Come, follow me.”
Closing
Feel free to comment or reach out anytime.
I'll post again when it's time.
God bless you,
Jerome