A dream fulfilled, a vision intact.
In 2014, the Honduras Mission from St. Anthony of Padua Catholic parish embraced its first mission trip after years of development.
Our HUMBLE BEGINNING
The Franciscan University of Steubenville started traveling to two remote communities in Honduras around the year 2000. In 2010, our beloved Deacon Mike Mims partnered with the Franciscan University by attending their annual spring break mission trip. These trips triggered Deacon Mims’ dream of providing medical & dental services on an annual week-long mission.
The communities of La Colonia & El Mirador were a seven-hour drive from the nearest international airport in a mountainous area near Trujillo, Honduras. The last few miles of the drive were on dirt paths only passable by 4-wheel drive pickups when it was not raining. The communities did not have running water or electricity. The conditions & logistical challenges were extreme.
Deacon Mike Mims utilized his leadership skills to start fulfilling his dream. He extended his partnership to the Franciscan School in San Pedro Sula, partnered with our Deacon Mike Mort, & rallied our parish to make it happen.
The dream was fulfilled in October of 2014 when over 50 missionaries provided medical care, dental care, catechism, & sacraments for a week to these communities. The vision continues each year through our annual mission trip by fulfilling our mission statement…
Our Mission STATEMENT
Bearing witness to the Word of God, the Honduras Mission promotes dignity of life by healing the sick, celebrating the Sacraments, and making disciples.
WHY HONDURAS?
Located in Central America, Honduras has been blessed with natural resources & beyond kind people however most of its population lives in extreme poverty. STAOP tirelessly works to provide assistance bringing transformation in the communities that we have essentially adopted through God & His purposes.