A Regis student with a resident…

From a little MORE…

The CSJ Mission in Action at Regis College

Dan Leahy, Regis College, Associate Vice President for Mission and Ministry

The Regis community has been deeply and positively impacted by their relationship with Mustard Seed Communities, a nonprofit that provides homes, nutrition, and education for the most vulnerable. Each year, Regis College sends two teams of students, faculty, and staff to serve  on  mission trips to Mustard Seed Communities, fostering outreach to our Dear Neighbors in both Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Mustard Seed Communities embodies the heart of Catholic social teaching and Christian love — serving Christ in the most vulnerable. Our partnership has been a profound blessing, allowing our students to witness a ministry of compassion, inclusion, service, and unwavering love to our Dear Neighbors without distinction. This ongoing partnership is a true privilege and reflects the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph and our shared commitment and witness to faith, service, and solidarity with the most vulnerable. Regis College’s continued presence and support in this ministry widens the circle of inclusive love beyond Regis to communities across the Caribbean.

The core belief of Mustard Seed Communities, that faith comes alive through love and service, mirrors the values and charism of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston. Regis College’s recognition of Msgr. Gregory Ramkissoon reflects these values. Msgr. Gregory’s vision continues to guide their mission to care for the most vulnerable and to remind us of God’s presence in every person we serve. Together in mission, we are planting seeds of hope and building a world rooted in unconditional love.

On May 10, Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts proudly welcomed Msgr. Gregory Ramkissoon, founder of Mustard Seed Communities, to its commencement ceremony. In recognition of his remarkable commitment to social transformation and compassionate service to society’s most vulnerable, Msgr. Ramkissoon was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. The honor was presented by Dan Leahy, Associate Vice President for Ministry and Service at Regis College and a devoted mission volunteer.

Regis students, with MSC residents  in the Dominican Republic.  

As I presented the award to Msgr. Ramkisson, I shared, “What began as a single home for a handful of children in Jamaica has grown into a global network of homes, schools, small businesses across Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa today. Mustard Seed Communities cares for over 650 abandoned and disabled children and is the largest non-governmental organization in the Caribbean. Through your profound ability to walk in another’s shoes, you have received countless accolades, and yet for you the greatest achievement is found in the lives of the over 15,000 volunteers you have helped through your mission. Your passion for a faith that does justice has moved generations of volunteers to selfless service, including the students at Regis College, who bring hope to those in need. Monsignor Gregory, you bring hope, generosity of spirit, and are truly inspirational for your tireless dedication, compassionate leadership, and the extraordinary ability to know God’s presence in the people you serve.”