Journeying to Jamaica

By Angela Delcid

It is in our darkest moments when our faith is put to the test, not only with what we are forced to face, but with how we respond to our dear neighbors in need. 

On Oct. 28, 2025, Jamaica was devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Shortly following the storm, a Partner in Mission, Elvis Prendergast, shared with the Sisters of St. Joseph and with all the devastation his hometown of St. Elizabeth endured as a result. 

The immediate action and response that we received as a result from all of the CSJ community — the Sisters, our colleagues, our ministries, and all of our dear friends, neighbors, and generous donors — was beyond anything we ever anticipated. As a result of the kindness and contributions, we were able to package six barrels and a large palate with food supplies, hygiene products, tarps for rooftops, children’s clothing, generators for electricity, and air mattresses for people to have a place to lay their heads at night.

For this and for all of you and your beautiful acts of kindness and generosity, we are grateful beyond measure.

The journey to Jamaica for Elvis was not an easy one. And once all the items were shipped to Jamaica, there was a significant backlog and delay in having the items released from their customs headquarters. But after much perseverance and determination, Elvis traveled in late January and drove through the night into St. Elizabeth and to off-road neighboring communities to hand deliver all of the supplies.

The photos shared here with you are a testament of the pure joy and relief the community members felt and expressed through hugs and smiles in seeing one of their very own return to his hometown to “feed” his community. 

Elvis indicated that there were people that he had not seen in close to thirty years; people and neighbors whose children he played with or who would give him ice cream and sweets as a child. They cheered, celebrated, and gave thanks that they would be eating that night and not going to bed hungry. They said they could not believe their Elvis had come back to “feed them.” Elvis let them know this was a journey he made because of the Sisters of St. Joseph and all of those who cared about the Sisters and their mission. A few of the men wore the Sisters of St. Joseph shirts to serve as helpers and distributors of the items as they visited people’s homes. 

Elvis shared that the children would not stop hugging him and ran after the van to get one more hug before he departed.

While we know the Island of Jamaica is still recovering and will face many more years of recovery, what Elvis and the Sisters and all of you have done for the St. Elizabeth community will never be forgotten because it was all accomplished through your generous love, compassion, and faith in action.

Should you wish to continue to contribute to the services that the CSJ Outreach Ministry offers in times of emergencies or crises in the lives of our dear neighbors and community, please reach out to Angela Delcid directly at delcid@csjbrentwood.org or by phone at 631.273.1187 x30.