Hello my dear friends,
I am Fr. Arockia Amirtha Raj Stanislaus, called Father Amir. I belong to the Diocese of Sivagangai, India. I was ordained in 2010. After my ordination, I did my pastoral ministry in the same diocese. Then by God’s grace I was given the opportunity to serve the people in the Diocese of La Crosse. My first assignment was working with the families at Immaculate Conception Parish, Alma Center and St. Joseph Parish, Fairview. Following that assignment, I was sent to Sacred Heart parishes in Spring Valley and Elmwood and St. Luke Parish in Boyceville.
It was while I was at Alma Center and Fairview that I was first exposed to the Hispanic community which lit the fire inside me to learn Spanish. That desire opened my eyes to see I could better minister to a group I could otherwise not reach and effectively serve.
One never knows what is in store for their future. As is the case for international priests, immigration laws can throw us a curveball, and I was required to leave the U.S. for one year. This twist brought a lot of stress and frustration to me. And so I went to the Eucharistic Lord, praying for His guidance. Eventually the Almighty God showed me where to go. As “the LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1). I felt this message was being sent to me.
After days of reflection, I requested the Bishop of La Crosse send me to Casa Hogar John Paul II, Peru, the orphanage which is the mission of the Diocese of La Crosse. He generously offered this precious opportunity to spend a year at Casa Hogar, learning Spanish and helping Msgr. Joseph Hirsch in his ministry.
What an unexpected twist I had before me. Yes, I knew going to Peru would be a great adventure, especially coming from India. I remember how difficult it was to be fully immersed in another culture and learn a new language. I was prepared that my life would be changed, but I had no idea to what degree. Cultural integration did not happen overnight. Besides learning to communicate with the Casa family, there were adjustments to the weather, food and culture. I was like a newborn baby, only able to hear the words but neither understand nor speak. Msgr. Joseph Hirsch instinctually helped me with fraternal care in every way possible.
The 64 children living at Casa were also integral in my success in Peru. These children are given opportunities to grow in faith with the daily Mass and Holy Hour: through their example I also grew in my faith. The catechesis they are provided form children who live their lives at Casa Hogar with open and welcoming arms; willing my good with unabated love. These children who come from so little, have shown me the beauty in appreciating what one has.
After every Mass, I was greeted with both literal and spiritual open arms. At every special celebration, I was invited to participate in everything the group did. I danced, sang, played games, did crafts and much more. But the best part of these celebrations for me was watching the joy that emanates from everyone in a world that, by the standards in the U.S., wouldn’t bring much happiness.
The children at Casa Hogar have been, and will always be in my heart, a source of happiness. Every morning, when the children greeted me with “Buenos Dias, Padre” with their smiles, I could feel the warmth of the love they expressed. I came here with a lot of stress and frustration but I am leaving Casa Hogar with a heart filled with joy and love.
I will truly miss the children at Casa Hogar and will long to hear the morning greeting as I take the next step in the journey God has planned for me.
In the words of Father Joe Walijewski, I feel like I am “A pencil in our Lord’s hands.” I am sure God is using me as His best instrument to carry out His mission. Now with the lessons I have learned while at Casa Hogar, and my ability to ommunicate in Spanish, I am hereafter changed. The boundaries of the world God has called me to serve have expanded. What a beautiful gift they have given me.
The Diocese of La Crosse is doing incredible mission in Peru. I was aware of Casa Hogar, but now I know Casa Hogar. This kind of mission is only possible with your support and sacrifices. I implore you to continue to supporting our diocese’s mission with the same missionary spirit of Father Walijewski. And if you would like to experience, first-hand, what I mean when I explain this kind of joy, scheduled a trip to see with your own eyes, and feel with your own heart, what real happiness looks like.
From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely thank Most. Rev. William P. Callahan, Bishop of La Crosse; Fr. Woodrow Pace, Vicar for Clergy; and Msgr. Joseph Hirsch, Director of Casa Hogar John Paul II for offering me this life-changing opportunity. What a life-changing year it has been.
I assure you of my prayers and God will bless you.
Fr. Arockia Amirtha Raj Stanislaus