Growing up, I was deeply involved in Regnum Christi ministries through the Challenge Club, Mission Youth NYC Holy Week Missions, a Mission Youth World Youth Day trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and two mission trips to Haiti. These formative experiences instilled in me a profound appreciation for compassion, human connection, and the importance of selfless service. As I continued to serve others—both locally and internationally—I began to see how deeply meaningful and transformative healthcare could be. This realization ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in nursing, where I could unite my passion for service with my growing interest in medical care and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
This February, I had the privilege of traveling to the Philippines as part of a Catholic medical mission trip with Helping Hands Medical Missions. The goal of the mission was to provide healthcare services to underserved communities in rural areas, where access to basic medical care is limited. My role was to assist in medical clinics, offering consultations and treatments, and providing education on hygiene and disease prevention. We also had a handful of OR staff that were performing surgeries. All the services we provided were completely free of charge to the people we served, lightening the burden of medical expenses for a time.
This mission was not only a professional endeavor but also a faith-driven one. Being part of a Catholic-based mission added a deeper layer of purpose and reflection to each day. We began each day with a mass and ended each day in prayer, grounding our work in compassion, humility, and the belief in the dignity of every human life. This spiritual foundation guided our interactions and reminded us that we were not only treating illnesses, but serving people—body, mind, and soul.
Before the trip, I had a vague idea of what to expect. I anticipated long hours, cultural differences, and the challenges of delivering care in a resource-limited setting. However, nothing truly prepared me for the level of gratitude and resilience I encountered, nor for how profoundly my faith would be strengthened through the experience.
I faced many challenges during the trip, both personally and professionally. Language barriers were one of the biggest hurdles, but local nursing students helped bridge the gap. On a personal level, I found myself overwhelmed by the emotional toll of seeing so many people in need, yet so few resources available. Professionally, I was forced to adapt quickly, making do with what we had, often having to be creative in finding solutions for patients who lacked access to necessary medications or treatments.
One of the most impactful moments for me was working with a young mother living with a chronic illness who was determined to get healthy for the sake of her newborn. She came seeking education, guidance, and above all, hope. Her courage reminded me of the strength of the human spirit and the power of faith in times of hardship.
This mission deepened my understanding of healthcare inequality and expanded my skill set, not just in medicine, but in cross-cultural communication and teamwork. Additionally, this experience deepened not only my understanding of global health disparities but also my faith. It challenged me to grow in compassion, patience, and humility. I learned how to communicate across cultures, how to serve with limited resources, and how to see Christ in those I served. I found myself growing not only as a healthcare provider but also as a person, learning humility, patience, and how to better connect with those from different backgrounds.
Reflecting on the overall impact, I realize that while we were able to provide immediate medical care and education, the relationships we built with the community were just as important. We didn’t just treat patients; we listened to their stories, shared in their struggles, and worked alongside them to find ways to improve their health long-term.
Ultimately, this Catholic mission trip was a life-changing experience. The relationships we built with the community—rooted in shared prayer, mutual respect, and love—were just as important as the medical care we provided. We didn’t just heal; we listened, connected, and walked alongside people in their struggles.
I return from this mission with a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger commitment to both my faith and my vocation. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity and hope to return to the Philippines or similar communities in the future, continuing to serve as both a healthcare provider and a witness to Christ’s love.
-Katherine Agugliaro
