Saint “A’s” Mission Outreach

by Father Daniel O’Neill, O.Carm., pastor

Some people go to the missions by giving and some people give to the missions by going.” These words were spoken by Paul LaGreca in July 2002 from the pulpit of Saint Anastasia Carmelite Church in Teaneck, New Jersey.

One of the persons hearing those words was Elizabeth Larson, a member of the parish for only a few years at that time. Elizabeth is a former staff member of Columbia University in the area of Teacher Education. She is the widow of her beloved departed husband, Raul, and the mother of one adult daughter, Essie.

In September 2003 Cara Moothart and Molly Moriarity spoke from the pulpit of Saint A’s and repeated the same invitation about actually going to the Carmelite Missions of Peru just as they had done. This time Elizabeth knew that God was also inviting her to do the same. She processed this call. She discussed this call with many friends and advisors and she prayed daily.

As a result on September 26, 2004, Elizabeth was commissioned by the Church of Saint Anastasia and its pastor, Daniel O’Neill, O.Carm., to go to the church of Sicuani, Peru, for one year. As you read this, she is now there.

Elizabeth has many partners in this mission. Sister Eileen Egan has welcomed her into her home and into her work in Sicuani. The entire Peruvian Carmelite family has received her and hosted her. The Carmelite Mission Office and the Carmelite Peace and Justice fund has supported her financially. And the church family of Saint Anastasia has taken on the privilege of praying for her every single day of her stay in Peru.

Elizabeth has always had an adventuresome spirit. When she was first married she sailed around the world with her husband for 2 years. She lived in Sweden and still speaks Swedish.

She now finds herself in Peru and open to whatever God has in store for her now.