For three months in the fall of 2023, together with my senior Sister Gemma who has devoted herself to the immigrant mission for several decades, I visited 13 Korean Catholic Communities spread over 13 cities in the six States of Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Tennessee.

Encountering various Korean parishioners, I felt not only the joy and happiness of living a migrant life but also the challenge of making much effort to survive in a foreign country.

I still remember the encouraging and consoling words of an old woman at the mission in Nashville. Before Mass, during the peace greetings, and after Mass, she was happy to see us and came near us, saying in a loud voice "Thanks for coming. You are doing a good job. I pray for you all …"

As Pope Francis always emphasizes, we, the Pauline sisters, are willing to go to the frontiers in search of people longing for spirituality. On the way to our mission, we always experience so many inspiring moments and learn a lot from people we meet.

Truly, the diversity of immigrants makes the Catholic Churches in the United States much more lively, sincere, affluent, touching and colorful.

Our mission trip in search of Korean parishioners is a precious and grace-filled opportunity both to experience an intensive outgoing mission and to give spiritual food to people across the States.

Except for two parishes in Atlanta, 11 other communities were considerably small. Nevertheless, going out on the mission to small communities inspires, encourages and rewards us.

While going through various programs such as a special lecture on Lectio Divina, the retreat, the homily, a spiritual song and three-minute talks at the end of Mass, we are happy to give a chance to meet with some meaningful moments for the re-education of people with the help of the good image and appealing presence of "Pauline" in the world.

We don't know anything about the future, but one thing is very clear: the seeds we have sown will grow somewhere little by little by the awesome and inspiring power of the Holy Spirit.

We truly appreciate the constant prayers and faithful encouragement of all our acquaintances. Thanks to their sincere, faithful and constant prayers as well as the considerate collaboration of benefactors and volunteers including book club members, everything was possible.

Although there were some changes in our schedule, there were many families who welcomed and provided us with food and lodgings. We are thankful for all the gifts of God.

The words are not enough to express our heartfelt thanks for all their generous, warm-hearted, cheerful and hospitable gestures of friendship and sharing. So many angels around us bring us grace-filled moments of love and joyful encounters. I assure and pray for their happiness.

Truly, the almighty God has presented himself through the birth of baby Jesus and presents himself among us always. "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests!" (Luke 2:14).

"Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our Lord. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord is your strength!" (Nehemiah 8:10).

Therefore, let us celebrate the Christmas season with great joy.

The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul. Please feel free to visit her blog "A piece of sunshine" at mtorchid88.blogspot.com.