Puerto Rico’s streets are lined with hurricane evacuation signs – the sign of a people on watch for danger. But the hurricanes have made us more dependent on God’s merciful love, knowing that God will keep us safe whatever life brings. Hopeful are we who live in the land of Puerto Rico, we who love land, nature, and people at every stage of life!
As a native Puerto Rican, I have lived through so many hurricanes and so many crisis moments of chaos and destruction. Sadly, I have seen that the poor always seem to pay a higher price in these tragedies. in 1 Johm, 3:17, 1 John 3:17, the apostle tells us, “Whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” As followers of Christ, we are called to share our abundance and to offer God’s charity.
As a native Puerto Rican, I have also been blessed to also see the recuperation from many hurricanes and natural disasters – the reconstruction of homes and the reclamation of land. I have been witness to a marathon of love – men and women cooking for their neighbors, distributing food and clothing, and offering financial assistance.
We Puerto Ricans know how to respond to a hurricane. We board up the places of refuge, like homeless shelters nursing homes, and schools. In response to the loss of shelter, schools serve as a sanctuary for children, and universities open their doors to house the needy and those made homeless by the storm.
We are grateful to FEMA, who has helped us recover so many times. We are also grateful to the Dominican Sisters, who have always contributed time, treasure, and prayer.
Prosper the work of our hands, O Lord. Prosper the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:17.
My first assignment as a Dominican Sister was at Colegio La Piedad in Isla Verde PR for 5 years. It was such a privilege to work with such wonderful people. I was never there during hurricane season but witnessed a few times severe damage caused by flooding and near hurricane strength winds. It was such an example to me how the poorest of the poor cared for their brothers and sisters just for that reason and not that they were rich enough to do so.. Viva Puerto Rico! Thank you, Narcissa.
Thank you , Narcissa, Your words are special, and speak to the enduring spirit of Puerto Rico, despite head winds of various kinds …..And that marathon image captures it so well!
Gracias, amiga.
I love your phrase, “a marathon of love.” I will contemplate that this week.
Good article, Narcisa. Thanks for writing it.
Thank you Sr Narcisa for sharing your story.
Nicely done, Narcissa! Good words, good reflection; good picture of you, too!