Hearts on Fire: Young Adult Missionaries Seek Christ in Andes

As the summer began, twenty-four young adults set out on a journey that would challenge their comfort, deepen their faith, and forever change their hearts. Traveling with the Pro Ecclesia Sancta community, these young men and women—many from our Sacred Heart Pastorate—embarked on a mission trip to a humble yet vibrant mission center tucked high in the Andes Mountains near Huancayo, Peru. Accompanying them were Fr. Juan Carlos, Br. Bryan, and Sr. Denisse of Pro Ecclesia Sancta.

Departing at the end of May, the team faced an arduous route: several flight changes followed by an eight-hour bus ride into the mountains. Their final destination was remote, rugged, and beautiful. Despite the challenges, the missionaries arrived with eager hearts and open hands—ready to serve, to witness, and to be transformed.

Every item packed was intentional. With limited space, the students prioritized the essentials—yet still found room for joy: candy, trinkets, small sports balls, and gifts for the children they would meet. They also brought a brand-new English Roman Missal for the Mission Center, donated by a generous parishioner back home.

“When carrying logs on our shoulders, we missionaries would ponder the weight of the cross carried by Christ,” shared missionary Allyson Sea of St. Agnes Parish. “By all means the logs were insanely heavy, but how much more was the weight of the cross that held the weight of all the sins in the world?”

Life in the villages surrounding the Mission Center is incredibly simple—most homes are made of clay, without running water or electricity. Families dream of someday reinforcing their walls with cement. And yet, amid what many would consider hardship, there is a joy, a hospitality, and a faith that humbled even the most prepared missionaries.

The team’s daily work was often grueling, but always grace-filled. They dug potatoes, built stairs for a local school, hauled and chopped firewood—enough to keep one family warm and fed for an entire year. Every act of service was offered in love, especially for the elderly or those physically unable to meet their own daily needs.

“When carrying logs on our shoulders, we missionaries would ponder the weight of the cross carried by Christ,” shared missionary Allyson Sea of St. Agnes Parish. “By all means the logs were insanely heavy, but how much more was the weight of the cross that held the weight of all the sins in the world?”

But just as important as their labor was their presence. The children of the village—eager, smiling, and full of wonder—were overjoyed to see the missionaries. For them, these young Americans were celebrities, especially those with blonde hair who they believed must surely be movie stars. The simple gifts—a ring pop or a small football—brought delight, but it was the time, attention, and love that truly made the difference.

At the heart of the trip was its spiritual mission. The group embraced their identity as pilgrims of hope during this Jubilee Year. Each morning began with an hour of Eucharistic Adoration, and each evening closed in quiet reflection and prayer. The missionaries celebrated Mass together, anchoring every moment of their service in the presence of Christ.

“By putting Christ first and foremost, we can become the vessels He uses in the ways He desires,” said Sea.

There were also miraculous experiences on the trip. Missionary Hunter Magee recently experienced a knee injury and was told he may not be able to play football anymore, but he completed a grueling hike on the trip with no problems.

“The hearts of the missionaries are burning for Christ after the trip,” said Br. Bryan. “Now, they desire to come home and set the world on fire.”

The physical toll was real—sunburns, wind-chapped faces, and tired limbs—but the spiritual fruits were even more visible. Upon their return, the missionaries were radiant. Their eyes shone with the light of something far deeper than adventure: they had encountered Christ in the poor, in the Eucharist, and in one another.

“The hearts of the missionaries are burning for Christ after the trip,” said Br. Bryan. “Now, they desire to come home and set the world on fire.”

Trip missionaries included Avila Casanova, Michael Crockett, Elyssa Delehant, Evan Easton, Julia Eggert, Zach Fuhrer, Dylan Gibbons, Aaron Heger, Grace Hempel, Beau Kirsch, Hunter Magee, Kara Magee, Camen Max, Thadan Milliken-Auch, Jorja Muller, Caden Olegario, Josephine Peery, Ellie Ripperda, Allyson Sea, Sophia Siemonsma, Jaycee Tebay, Janesa Thiesse, Ella Tuschen, and Marshall Widstrom.

Photos taken by Pro Ecclesia Sancta

View Mission Trip Photos