Source: The Catholic Spirit
For many Twin Cities Catholics, “Father Greg Schaffer” has become synonymous with the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ mission in Venezuela. And not unreasonably so.
The St. Paul native, who serves as pastor of the mission parish of Jesucristo Resucitado, has been in Ciudad Guayana for more than 20 years, the longest tenure of any archdiocesan priest who’s had the assignment. During that time, he’s forged strong relationships between Minnesotans and the Venezuelan people he serves, whether through organizing intercultural trips between the two locales, or by actively inviting archdiocesan laypeople to support the many initiatives undertaken at the mission.
But every time he steps out on the street outside the parish, Father Schaffer is reminded of his place in a much broader legacy. There, in a colorful mural emblazoned with the title, “Misioneros de San Pablo,” the painted likenesses of many of the 22 missionary priests who have served over the course of the mission’s 50-year history smile back.
“It’s really unique to be a part of that,” said Father Schaffer, referring to the archdiocese’s mission presence, which began in December 1970. He is currently joined at the parish by Father Dennis Dempsey, who previously served the mission for five years in the 1990s. “The people here still remember the men that came before with such fondness and real sincere love for them.”
Although plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary have been postponed due to COVID-19, Father Schaffer and others who have contributed are taking the occasion to look back gratefully upon a vibrant and varied history.
Read the full story in The Catholic Spirit.
