The Return to My Missionary Heart

Apr 30
2 min read

Updated: May 13

My reflections from the International Congress of Opera Misericordiae, Amecameca, Mexico By Maria Yactayo

Partner Engagement & Communication Catholic World Mission

I recently had the honor of attending the International Congress of Opera Misericordiae (Mercy Works). What unfolded over five short days became, for me, not only a professional encounter, but a deeply spiritual return to my missionary heart.

Over 30 years ago, with a similar backdrop in Comayagua, Honduras, God lit my missionary heart and called me to serve the poor, the vulnerable, and those most in need. The words of Matthew 25: 40 became personal and permanent: Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ That calling shaped my life and eventually led me to Catholic World Mission.

I approached this International Congress with openness, but also some apprehension, as it was my first true Regnum Christi encounter, and I did not know what to expect. Instead, I found myself surrounded by 30 extraordinary humans from 14 RC apostolates serving the most abandoned in society. Accompanied by seven dedicated priests from the Legion of Christ and a beautiful consecrated woman, we celebrated daily mass and prayed more times than I could count—clearly the RC way.

This International Congress had a very clear intention: to gradually build a network of works of mercy inspired by the charism of Regnum Christi—not only to work better, but to support one another and to remind us that the center of all our works is Christ. As the days unfolded and we learned about Guadalupe as a mercy-based pedagogy and Pope Leo’s first apostolic exhortation of his pontificate- Dilexi te, we grew in faith, in joy, and in love. I realized quickly: I was among my people—missionaries at heart.

In just five days, I tangibly experienced the fruits and benefits of being part of the Opera Misericordiae Network. The shared wisdom, reflection, and prayer strengthened each work present—not in isolation, but in communion.

I witnessed how quickly isolation is broken when mission leaders come together in trust, mutual understanding, and shared faith. Organically, a supportive community was formed, and strategic alliances were born.

In one week, we created synergies and began collaborations that would normally take years—and over a dozen emails—to form. In the breaking of bread, our eyes and hearts were open to the spirit of Christ in each alliance.

Through honest dialogue, we shared insights on common challenges and solutions, discovering that together we are stronger. The Network truly worked its magic—revealing how collective mission amplifies visibility, credibility, and influence, ultimately serving more people more effectively.

I return from Amecameca deeply grateful and renewed. This encounter reminded me that together—rooted in Christ and united in mercy—we will accomplish far more than we ever could individually. There is more to learn and more fruits to come, but this experience affirmed that the path forward is one we are meant to walk together. Catholic World Mission