My BYM Experience

Jonathan Fuentes ‘25 | Student Council President
From the moment I joined Belen, I often heard stories about the transformative power of the Belen Youth Mission trips. These stories painted a picture of service, community, and faith, but I didn't truly understand what they meant until I found myself standing in La Colonia and La Yuca. 

This mission was more than just a journey to a distant place; it was a call to be part of
something greater—to be the hands and feet of God in a world that desperately needs it. Father Willie’s words at the Mass resonated deeply. He told us, "You’re not here just because you signed up at the right time or because you’re lucky. You’re here because you are the answer to the prayers of the people in La Colonia and La Yuca. These people have been praying for years, even decades, for something as basic as clean water." Suddenly, this trip wasn’t just about me; it was about being part of something much bigger—something God had called us to do.

The community in La Colonia and La Yuca welcomed us with open arms. They didn’t just sit back and watch us work; they were right there with us, helping to make the aqueduct and chapel a reality every day. Despite the challenges, like the heavy rain and the looming hurricane, we pushed through together. The storm forced us to work faster than we ever imagined, and with God’s guidance, we completed the aqueduct in less than a week.

Building the chapel was another incredible experience. The entire community came together for the Mass when we finished. It was a beautiful service, held in Spanish, with everyone—young and old—gathered to worship with us. The chapel, small yet stunning, felt like a beacon of hope amid their daily struggles. With the looming hurricane, we were transported down the mountain after the aqueduct was finished and began a new part of our mission trip.

The beginning of the second part of BYM was one of the most eye-opening experiences: visiting the “batey,” which is a community built around a sugar cane refugee camp.  Seeing their daily lives up close was both humbling and heart-wrenching. Playing soccer with the kids on a dirt field, with sticks as goals, brought a mixture of joy and sadness. It was a stark reminder of the poverty that exists in the world and made me truly grateful for the blessings in my own life. It was clear that God was with us, opening our eyes and hearts to the reality faced by so many. We also visited the Santuario Nacional Nuestra Señora De Las Mercede, a chapel established by Christopher Columbus. It was a breathtaking sight, with a huge cross standing at the back, overlooking the fertile lands.

Reflecting on our time in La Colonia and La Yuca, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude. It’s clear to me now that we didn’t just go there to build an aqueduct or a chapel; we went there to build connections—connections with the community, with each other, and with God. Each drop of sweat, each challenge we overcame, wasn’t just about the physical work. It was about something much more profound. We were there to share God’s love, to be instruments of His will, and to remind the people of La Colonia and La Yuca that they are not forgotten. Our journey didn’t end when we left the Dominican Republic; it continues daily in our hearts and actions. We were called to be more than just volunteers—we were called to be the light in a world that sometimes feels dark. And as we move forward, we carry within us the lessons of faith, love, and resilience that we learned together. We may have left La Colonia and La Yuca behind, but the spirit of those communities lives on in us, inspiring us to keep answering God’s call wherever it may lead us next.

Registration for the annual Belen Youth Missions to the Dominican Republic will open to members of the class of 2026 in January 2025. Click here to see pictures from this year’s BYM. 
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BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain.  The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline.  In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty.  The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow.  Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.