Sharing the Healing Power of God's love.
Hello
Welcome to the Mission Family known as San Rafael Expedition
San Rafael Expeditions is blessed to share our story.
21 dedicated missionaries from West Texas answered God’s call to serve. Guided by prayer and inspired by the Holy Spirit, our team provides compassionate medical care to hundreds of patients in Honduras.
San Rafael Expeditions Returns to Honduras
Our 2026 Mission
More than 850 Hondurans received compassionate medical care this summer as San Rafael Expeditions continued its mission of bringing together faith, medicine, and service in the Diocese of La Ceiba, Honduras.
Led by Janelle and Dennis O'Connell, the West Texas mission team spent seven days providing free medical care while building lasting relationships with the people and clergy of Honduras. More than a medical outreach, the mission represented a meaningful exchange of faith, culture, and friendship between the Diocese of San Angelo and the Diocese of La Ceiba.
The 2026 mission served communities on the island of Roatán as well as two rural communities in the Atlántida Department - La Masica and La Cuenca - where access to healthcare remains limited. Clinics were established in Sandy Bay, Coxen Hole, and Punta Gorda on Roatán before the team traveled by ferry to the mainland to continue their work in the agricultural communities of La Masica and La Cuenca.
The medical brigade consisted of 13 healthcare professionals, including seven physicians, three nurse practitioners, and three registered nurses. Working alongside local doctors, clergy and volunteers, the team provided primary care, pediatric services, health consultations, chronic disease management, health education, and prescription medications to more than 750 patients.
Equally important to the mission was the spirit of collaboration between the people of Honduras and the visitors from West Texas. A dedicated team of interpreters, primarily local high school students and parish youth group members served alongside the medical professionals throughout the week. Their language skills, enthusiasm, and hospitality ensured that every patient was treated with dignity while fostering friendships that transcended cultural and language barriers.
Each day began and ended in prayer, reminding the missionaries that their work was not simply providing medical treatment but sharing Christ's healing love. Daily Mass strengthened the team spiritually and provided opportunities to worship with the local Catholic communities. One of the most memorable moments of the mission came on Sunday when the team celebrated Mass with the newly consecrated Bishop Jenrry Johel Velásquez Hernández of the Diocese of La Ceiba. The celebration underscored the growing partnership between the two dioceses and the shared commitment to serving those most in need.
Beyond the clinics, missionaries experienced the rich history and vibrant culture of Honduras. From the Garífuna traditions of Punta Gorda to the farming communities of La Masica and La Cuenca, the team witnessed firsthand the resilience, generosity, and deep faith of the Honduran people. While the missionaries brought medical expertise, they returned home with a renewed appreciation for the hospitality and enduring spirit of the communities they served.
The success of the mission was made possible through the collaboration of local pastors, diocesan leaders, community volunteers, interpreters, pharmacists, and countless supporters in both Honduras and West Texas. Their collective efforts demonstrated that healing extends beyond medicine—it is found in compassion, partnership, and shared faith.
As San Rafael Expeditions looks toward future missions, the organization remains committed to its guiding purpose: sharing the healing power of God's love through service, building lasting relationships between sister dioceses, and responding to Christ's call to care for those in need. Every patient treated, every prayer offered, and every friendship formed serves as a reminder that the Church is truly one family united across borders.
As we begin planning our 2027 medical brigade/mission, San Rafael Expeditions invites physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals from West Texas to prayerfully consider joining this life-changing ministry. Whether you have participated in medical missions before or are exploring your first opportunity to serve, your talents and compassion can make a lasting difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Honduras. Beyond providing medical care, you will experience a profound journey of faith, fellowship, and cultural exchange while answering Christ's call to serve those most in need. For additional information about the 2027 mission, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming informational meetings, please visit www.SanRafaelExpeditions.org.
We hope you will join us as we continue Sharing the Healing Power of God's Love.
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." — Matthew 25:40
About Us
Our Team of Volunteers
On June 29th the catholic community of west Texas flew to Honduras to share their given talents as medical professional to the people of Honduras. This is the first time for many of our medical professionals share their faith in such a journey.
The Mission Team traveled from west Texas to the island of Roatan followed by a trip to the interior of Honduras
Our maiden voyage took us from the comforts of our west Texas homes to a part of the world we had never experienced before. With the guidance of our Honduran Hermanamiento brothers and sisters we knew our trip was going to be one of spiritual fulfillment.
Join us in this opportunity to live out our faith as a missionary church.
As we reflect on this journey, we recognize the hand of God in every encounter and every healing moment. We invite each of you to consider how God might be calling you to serve — whether on a future mission trip or in other acts of charity and solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world. May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to share the healing power of God’s love.
Mission's Impact
