By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
February 5, 2004

Two diocesan priests and parishioners from several parishes of the Diocese of Sioux City were among those who used their special gifts in the latest medical service trip to Honduras organized through Gehlen High School in Le Mars.

Father Paul Kelly went on the Honduras trip after being invited by one of the doctors who served on the medical team.

"I have traveled to a number of Third World countries, visiting missionaries, but this is the first medical trip I have been on," he noted.

His major role on this service trip was to serve as a translator for one of the doctors. Father Kelly, who is fluent in Spanish, serves in Hispanic ministry at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

"It was very enjoyable from two aspects. First, it helped me to understand the work of doctors a little more. And second, from a cultural point of view in seeing some things - like skin problems - that are not very common in the United States," said Father Kelly. "It was a very good experience to be there with the doctor throughout the day."

Along with translations, Father Kelly celebrated daily Mass and heard some confessions.

Having traveled to Third World countries, the priest mentioned that the conditions in the country were pretty much what he had expected - poor road system along with iffy communication and electrical systems.

He found it interesting to listen to the responses of the conditions by the other people on the trip, especially those who had never been to a Third World country.

"To me, I benefit by these trips because it makes me more mission-minded," said Father Kelly. "You come back with a feeling of appreciation for what we have." These experiences help him be more willing to promote causes that would help poor countries.

Father Jerry Cosgrove, pastor at St. Patrick Church in Estherville and St. Mary Church in Armstrong, said he opted to go on the trip because he wanted to have first-hand experience in dealing with a Third World country and working with missionaries. This was the first time he has made such a trip.

"Going with people that I knew created a better comfort level," he explained. The priest had served in Le Mars in two former assignments - one at Gehlen in the early '70s and then at St. Joseph Church in the '90s.

In addition to performing assorted sacramental ministries such as celebrating daily Mass in various villages, baptizing a child and anointing the sick, Father Cosgrove assisted the medical team. He mentioned that he got quite good at counting pills for the pharmacist and helped in the line, gathering patient information.

"The conditions are as bad as you might imagine, but the happiness of the people was very nice to see," he said. "They are very appreciative of the work that was done and the work of the medical staff was very admirable. They had to adjust to primitive conditions, but still gave excellent care."

He was inspired by the work of the missionary sisters who helped keep the faith alive in about 120 villages of the area. Father Cosgrove said that this work done through these small Christian communities was a good image to keep in mind.

Dr. Mark Taylor, a family practice doctor and parishioner at Blessed Sacrament in Sioux City described the trip as both mind-opening and boggling.

"The people down there have so very little and they are very happy. They are very content with life. They don't know what they don't have," he noted. "It certainly makes me appreciate more of what we have and take for granted in this country."

Dr. Taylor said Honduras had very poor health conditions. Most of the people have no running water or electricity. Because most of the people only have access to free samples in treatment of medical conditions, many go without treatment for years at a time leaving conditions such as diabetes uncontrolled. This creates additional health problems.

The medical team examined people from 11 days to 98 years old. They saw over 1,920 patients.

"This has been brought about by perseverance and foresight of Seivert brothers - Francis and Richard - who organized the trip through Gehlen High School," noted Dr. Taylor, who added that he became interested in becoming involved in the trip after seeing an article about the trip last year.

He called it a team effort in getting medications and supplies from various entities in Sioux City.

Pat Boudreau, a parishioner at St. Michael Church in Sioux City, is a nurse who made her second trip to Honduras. She sees this as a way of giving back for all that she has received in her life.

As a nurse, one of the biggest differences in working there is the lack of modern equipment that has become old-hat here, however, the medical team helped bring a little of these services to Honduras. She mentioned that one hospital donated a portable ultrasound machine. Pregnant women were astounded.

She has found that on the trips she always receives more than she gives.

"They are a very happy people," said Boudreau. "They basically have nothing. What they do have is a lot of faith and very close family connections. They are so appreciative of the smallest thing and they have such warmth."

She pointed out that the families would come to the clinics, wearing their Sunday-best, and would often have to wait for hours.

"They were never angry. They were never demanding," said Boudreau. "They are just wonderful people - quiet, calm, loving and giving. To me its religion exemplified."