By Stacy Graning/The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ – Nearly 30 young men and women brought the joy and love of God to the Natchez community as part of a mission of the Institute of the Incarnate Word.

The mission, coordinated through St. Mary Basilica and St. Joseph Monastery in Adams County, began on March 1 and continued through March 12.

The young men and women are seminarians and postulants preparing to join orders within the Institute of the Incarnate Word and the Servants of the Lord and of the Virgin of Matara, communities that are in relationship with the monks at St. Joseph Monastery at Edgewood.

“They are so full of joy; it is extremely contagious,” said Heddy Boelte, who helped coordinate the mission with the Father Aaron Williams of St. Mary Basilica and the monks at the monastery, which is housed at Edgewood under the generosity of the Boelte family.

“St. Mary’s … host[ed] the novice classes of the communities, meaning the younger men and women who are preparing to make their profession as brothers and sisters,” Boelte said. “During their stay, the missionaries … engaged in evangelical efforts in our area, including visiting homes and preaching.”

Describing the mission as a providential opportunity to share their faith and the love of God, Boelte said the missionaries actively engaged throughout the community during their visit. The program, open to Catholics and people of all faiths, included daily Mass, adorations, home visits with small groups, evening mission talks, visits to Cathedral School, and visits to nursing homes, hospitals and other areas.

(Reprinted with permission of The Natchez Democrat.)