Veronica Paredes is a Xaverian Missionary of Mary from Mexico who currently is in mission in Worcester, USA.

What is your current mission and your favorite part of?

I’m coordinating the Religious Education Program (catechesis) at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Worcester, Ma (USA). The favorite part of my mission is to share the journey of faith with children, parents, catechists and Saint Paul’s parish community: Anglo, Hispanos and Afro-Americans. 

Your favorite way to pray?

One of my favorites is the one I personally called the “SSS prayer”: Scriptures, silence and solitude, guided by the Lectio Divina method.

What is the best part of living in community?

Community is the grace that open my heart to learn to love in the way that my sisters need, not in the way I “know”. It is a motivation for a creative and respectful love. This is one of the most significant community gifts for me!

Most fun you have had with your community?

When we laugh due to our daily life moments plenty of the humanity of our mistakes, limits and simplicity: when I skip a line singing the Morning prayer hymn, when my older sister makes a humoristic comment, when there is a pile of pots to wash after a delicious dinner, when I play a joke at breakfast, etc.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy play the guitar, sing, and listen to music. Also, I enjoy writing, reading, watching movies, cartoons, and documentaries; I enjoy draw my own comics and use my creativity: I’m a DIY woman!

Any nicknames?

My blood family call me “TATA”. I like it!

Any words of wisdom for those considering missionary-religious life?

Don’t be afraid to follow the voice that makes vibrate your soul: it is Jesus calling you! Only Him can do that in your soul, no one else, nothing else. Trust, let Him embrace you with His love and follow Him! ;)