Que vayan con Dios

Cari Serafin and Marilyn Randolph, after over thirty years of coordinating the programs of the Mission of Friendship with enthusiasm, wisdom, and love, officially retired and departed Merida on March 27. 

The mission team with Marilyn and Cari

 The months leading up to this date were filled with many, many heartfelt goodbyes from those whose lives have been touched by Marilyn and Cari:  friends, members of the mission team, former Nueva Vida girls and Amiguitos children who now have their own children, people from the villages once served by the mission programs, former volunteers, priests from Sister Parishes, Benedictine oblates... 

Lunch with Finita at doña Humberta's house in Xcucul

Marilyn and Cari with the Benedictine Oblates

Lucero, one of the original "Amiguitos", and her family saying goodbye to Cari and Marilyn

Marilyn with Pat and Richard Marshall, Silvia Gonzalez Garcia and Carmen Morales
 celebrating on the patio of the Casa Blanca

Tricia Pipkin with Marilyn

Silvia presenting Cari with a plaque of recognition for the years of service to the mission.

Marilyn and Cari with their plaques

On April 20, one last retirement party, organized by Pat Marshall, director of the Mission of Friendship was held at St. Mark’s Center in Erie, so that Cari and Marilyn’s friends on the Pennsylvania side of the mission would also have the opportunity to honor the long-time leaders.

All wanted to express their gratitude and affection toward to these two women who have given their lives to make the lives of others less difficult.  

Marilyn and Cari, thank you for your vision, dedication, faith and friendship which have given life to the Mission of Friendship and the people it serves both in the diocese of Erie and in the archdiocese of Yucatan for over three decades.  May you enter your retirement knowing that you have blessed innumerable lives through your work.  Listen for God's whisper, "Well done, good and faithful friends."