Convention – Dominican Style!

By Elizabeth Welch, Parishioner
Church of the Nativity, Dothan

Following our own convention in Fairhope, I had the privilege of attending the 53rd Convention of the Diocese of The Dominican Republic, our companion diocese.  I traveled over there with my good friend and Episcopal priest, The Rev. Tar Drazdowski.  Tar and I have been leading joint summer missions from Nativity, Dothan and Christ Church, Valdosta to the village of El Pedregal for eight years, so we were very excited to be attending our first DR Convention.

We arrived a day and a half before the convention began, and were able to join another group of missionaries on a tour of Episcopal churches in and around Santo Domingo.  We were thrilled to see the Dominican church so involved in mission and ministry.  We visited Episcopal schools, churches, seminaries and nursing homes and learned about the many projects still under construction.  Several of these mission sites had been funded partially by United Thank Offering (UTO) and Daughters of the King.

The convention itself was held at a picturesque Catholic retreat center in Santo Domingo right on the sea.  As soon as we set foot on the convention grounds, we were made to feel extremely welcome.  First, we learned that the registration fee had been waived for ALL visitors. Next we were given a beautifully hand-decorated convention bag which contained all our information.  Although everything was in Spanish, it was easy to comprehend how passionate our Dominican brothers and sisters are about carrying out The Great Commission in their country.  

The opening Eucharist took our breaths away as the procession of priests, deacons, and bishops made their way into the church to the throng of many of our favorite hymns en espanol.  The business sessions were also very awe inspiring as representatives from each of the many diocesan ministries presented their reports in light of how best they could spread the gospel through words and action to the people of The Dominican Republic.  On Saturday night we were treated to a “talent show” Dominican style—we had everything from a 6 year-old playing the violin to our music leader singing Frank Sinatra songs—what a treat!  Earlier that day, representatives from all visiting dioceses had an opportunity to bring greetings to the convention.  I managed to be brave enough to bring saludos from The Central Gulf Coast in Spanish (written out the night before by the grace of God.)  

On Sunday morning the convention moved to San Andres Episcopal Church in a poor section of Santo Domingo.  The service began with a 45-minute procession through the community.  It was led by a New Orleans-style band and Dominican flag corps, following them were the priests, deacons, and bishops.  Then, representatives from many churches in the dioceses brought up the rear—each church carrying its own banner.  The procession wrapped around many blocks and was a wonderful witness to the community that Jesus Christ is Lord!  There are no words to describe the service that followed—five deacons were ordained to the priesthood, including our own, Padre Carlos from El Pedregal.  It literally was like worshipping with “angels and archangels and all the company of heaven.”  Several villagers from El Pedregal made the 3-hour trip by public bus to support Padre Carlos, including 3 of our adopted Dominican “sons.”  All in all it was an experience that I’ll never forget!  What a gift is was to have met so many church leaders, parishioners, youth representatives, and fellow missionaries.  May God use it all to His glory.