It is my pleasure to write this letter about El Shaddai in our parish.  I am referring to a group that meets weekly in our local area to pray and to celebrate the faith in the Eucharist once a month.

It is about a very united community with great desires for integration with the rest of the parochial community.  Their musical skills and availability of time made them responsible for the musical animation of the Dominican Eucharist with children, which is a truly communitarian celebration.

Collectively, and with unique punctuality, they respond to invitations for inter-cultural celebrations which we organize as part of our activities for the integration of immigrants.  Individually or in group, they engage themselves in visiting peoples and helping the needy, giving testimonies of their commitment to the love of God in the best style of evangelism.

On a social level, we have come to an agreement that, as workers, they are very well recognized; and on such basis they can elevate notably their self-esteem.

In the name of this parish, I ought to thank their presence with us, with the desire that they would feel treated with total brotherhood and equality together with the Filipino priests who, with total act of service, would guide them in this process of their personal history.  We know that the Holy Spirit will follow them, giving them the motivation to walk this path.

Rev. Fr. Francisco Puertolas Bandres

Parochial Vicar, Santa Maria Parish, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain

Head, "Entre Culturas" Center for Integration