August 30, 2023

By Darcy Fargo
Editor

Currently residents of Baltic, Connecticut, Paul and Vernonica Martin first met because of their connections to the Diocese of Ogdensburg and its mission in Mollendo, Peru. The couple’s two children, Paul Jr. and Valerie, have continued that connection with the diocese by attending Camp Guggenheim.

Paul Martin was introduced to his now-wife in May of 2003, when Sister Mary Ellen Brett, a Sister of St. Joseph, introduced Paul to Veronica at a party celebrating the 40th anniversary of the founding of St. Martin de Porras Parish, the parish served by priests from the Diocese of Ogdensburg in the diocese’s former mission in Peru.

“Veronica asked me if Paul was a priest,” Sister Mary Ellen Brett wrote of the incident years later. “I said, ‘no,’ and introduced Veronica and Paul. I was part of the conversation for a while, and then they danced the night away. Veronica and Paul corresponded, and Paul made trips to Mollendo to visit Veronica. On May 3, 2008, they were engaged. Marriage followed.”

The Martins have two children, Valerie, age 13, and Paul Jr., age 12. Both of the Martin youth attended week 5 at the camp, one of the 4 weeks of sessions for youth ages 12 to 15.

Valerie attended Camp Guggenheim for the second time. Paul Jr. was a first-time camper.

The two traveled six hours with their family to Saranac Lake for the Camp Guggenheim experience.

“I have a whole bunch of friends here now,” said Valerie, explaining why she wanted to return for a second year at the diocesan youth camp. “And it’s a lot of fun.”

Valerie said she’s stayed in contact with some of her camp friends throughout the year via text messaging and social media.

Paul Jr. said he was excited to attend after hearing about his sister’s experience and enjoyed his time at camp.
“I’m making friends,” he said. “And I liked the volleyball tournament. I play a lot of sports.”

During the week the Martins were at camp, the chaplain was Father Stephen Rocker. Father Rocker, who served at the diocesan mission in Mollendo, Peru, was the officiant at Paul and Veronica Martin’s wedding.

The two said they appreciated visiting and having a connection to this diocese that is so connected to their family.

“It’s definitely special,” Valerie said.