by Lucero Manzanares
When I first drove into Queens two summers ago, filled with memories of the last two years in missionary life, I knew the borough would become an important part of my journey, yet I could not have known I would be invited to stay.
At the time, as a campus Catholic missionary with the college outreach program FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students), I lived a very nomadic lifestyle, knowing that my place was not permanent.
I started my time with FOCUS serving students at Temple University. Those first two years of mission were tough and purgative, stretching me in ways I never imagined, but all with the intention that my heart would emulate Jesus.
When I was invited to join the missionary team at Queens College, I was hesitant.
Could this unknown foreign place even be suitable for me? Lord, is this really where you need and want me to be?
If I knew what I know now, I would have said yes in a heartbeat.
Almost immediately after I arrived, Queens and Brooklyn stole my heart. From the melting pot of cultures to the pockets that feel like home, every encounter, every relationship formed — it all melted my heart. Coming to serve in Queens felt like coming home.
During my time as a missionary here, I saw how deeply rooted the love for the faith is and how many proudly showcase their faith. It reminded me that a home built on a foundation of love, loyalty, and faith can transform a community.
Getting a front row seat to a young soul encountering the real presence of God in their life and choosing to have Him at the center of it is a privilege like no other. To receive a soul that is in pain, aching, and seeking something more, and be able to guide them to the true physician, the true healer, and see how He makes all things new for them, is life-giving. He gave me new life.
Conforming my heart to His in a deeper way, He answered the deepest longing of my heart in that.
Now, He has called me to continue following Him and to transform me into a new but familiar place here.
The invitation to stay continues to be a privilege since it is an honor to serve the people who welcomed me with open arms.
The invitation to follow Him always, and be saints, is one I hope we can take together.
Lucero Manzanares is the associate director for youth and young adult ministry in the Diocese of Brooklyn.