Our mission began even before we arrived—our team traveling from Chicago was “sent forth” by Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Bishop of the Crookston diocese in Minnesota, who celebrated a special Holy Mass for us en route. This moment of commissioning filled our hearts and set the tone for a mission grounded in prayer.

Some of the most powerful experiences were unplanned. One evening, our team was graciously invited to an elder’s home, where we were treated to a generous dinner that included moose heart, a cherished local delicacy. What began as a simple thanksgiving prayer unfolded into a spontaneous time of worship and heartfelt prayer—shared among our team, priests, and bishop. It became a sacred encounter with God’s presence, etched in our hearts as one of the most unforgettable experiences of the mission.

Throughout our time in Puk, we were entrusted with many stories of deep personal and generational struggles—including experiences of sickness, trauma, addiction, loss, and grief. In these sacred moments of vulnerability, we responded not with answers, but with prayer, presence, and listening hearts.

One especially moving experience took place during a time of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament with the children. After one brave young person shared a painful story, others began to open up, one by one, revealing their own hidden wounds. The room soon filled with tears and silent prayers. Our mission team members, though few, did their best to console those who were weeping—offering nothing more than quiet companionship and heartfelt intercession.

Even in the heaviness, we witnessed God’s healing grace gently at work—reminding us that Christ is closest in moments of brokenness.