Make God's Love Visible: Raphael's Story

October 27, 2025

Raphael's Story: Senior Dining

My name is Raphael Burgess. I was born and raised in South America, and over the years, life has taken me to many places. But for the past 15 years, I’ve called Saint Cloud, Minnesota home. It’s here that I discovered something truly special, the Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program.


This isn’t just a place to eat. It’s a space where my body, mind, and spirit are nourished. I still remember hearing about the program for the first time and something told me to check it out. I’ve been coming ever since.


What makes this place extraordinary isn’t just the meals, it’s the people. When you walk in, you’re met with warm smiles, kind eyes, and stories that stretch across lifetimes. Sharing a table here means sharing laughter, memories, and a sense of belonging. These aren’t just seniors, they’re resilient, soulful individuals who’ve lived through so much and still radiate grace.


Over the years, I’ve made more friends here than I ever imagined. I used to work at the Whitney Senior Center in different roles, including with Senior Dining, and that experience opened my eyes to the magic this program creates. It’s a place for connection, creativity, and healing. From the artwork on the walls to the joy in the room, you can feel burdens lift, if only for a little while.


Every visit reminds me how deeply this community matters. Many of the folks here are veterans, and I’m often humbled to learn who has served. They carry their stories quietly, with dignity and love. This program honors those stories. It’s a refuge where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.


And the staff? They’re incredible. Their compassion shines in every detail. Sue, our cook, has been here for years, and her meals are more than food, they’re an extension of her heart. You can taste the care she puts into every dish. I adore her.


If I could say one thing to our community, to those who support this program or are thinking about it, it would be this: we need you. The seniors who come here, many of whom carry untold stories and unseen struggles, need you.


The Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program brings immeasurable value to our community because it’s built on people. Without people, there is no community.


So please, help us keep this program going. Come spend time with these remarkable individuals. Their journeys aren’t over. They’re simply entering a new chapter. And I promise, you’ll leave richer for having met them.


Thank you for reading my story.


Raphael Burgess

Together, we can ensure that no senior in our community feels forgotten. Please consider donating to Catholic Charities today. Your support brings comfort, dignity, and connection to those who need it most.

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