Jamaica mission weathers hurricane

(Above) Six young adults and Sister Mary Margaret Delaski, FSE receive a blessing during a special Mass at the Franciscan center before their departure for Jamaica on August 11, 2007. (Below) The group says goodbye to the Sisters, families and friends as they leave on their mission to Jamaica.

MERIDEN, CT (08-20-2007) - When a group of six young adults from Meriden planned to undertake an 11-day mission to Jamaica to help the Franciscan Sisters and Friars, they had no idea their experience would include a Category 4 hurricane. As powerful Dean moved toward Jamaica, the young people joined in the preparations and prayer for safety. The Above Rocks community of friars, sisters and the group gathered in the most secure building of the compound to weather the storm together.

Back home and around the world, the Franciscan Sisters, Brothers and families prayed for those in Jamaica. Fortunately, their prayers were answered as Dean veered a bit south of the island, avoiding a direct hit on the Above Rocks mission. The group's stay is now being extended for a few days due to airline cancellations. Clean-up from the storm is the order of the day.