International link benefitting both sides

Their journey forged a path of solidarity with a poor parish in Guatemala. Because of that, in the aftermath of the recent terrorist attacks on the U.S., St. Mary's members received some unexpected comfort and prayers from people half a world away.

It all began with a visit last week to the Albany Diocese by Padre Juan Vasquez, pastor of two parishes: San Pedro Jocopilas and San Bartolome of San Pedro, Guatemala.

Connections

Father Hayes explained that Padre Juan's trip from Guatemala was meant to deepen the relationship and solidarity between the two parishes, as well as continue their appeal for assistance from the people of St. Mary's.

Father Hayes described the area where the Guatemalan parishes are located as one where the people live in poverty and have many urgent needs. St. Mary's parish has already raised money to assist their Guatemalan friends. Now they plan to help rebuild a destroyed medical clinic there.

Wide responsibility

The two parishes encompass 22 separate small communities of Catholics. Because Padre Juan cannot possibly minister to every one of his parishioners, he told The Evangelist through an interpreter, about 2,000 people hold lay leadership positions in the two parishes. They minister to a total congregation of approximately 12,000 Catholics.

"They conduct prayer services and maintain intercommunication with each other," he said. "These leaders see that the spiritual needs of parishioners are met on a daily and weekly basis."

Staying in contact

"The main idea of the bulletin is to provide a guide to weekly Scriptural readings and their themes for the leaders," Father Hayes explained. "That way, they can adhere to the required readings for the day and each Sunday in the liturgical year in their daily prayer services and communal prayer."

The priest celebrates daily and Sunday Mass at both of his parishes, alternating each week. He drives back and forth in a jeep. According to Father Hayes, it takes quite a while to negotiate the rugged mountain terrain, even in an all-terrain vehicle.

In harmony

"On the first weekend he was here, Padre Juan sang a song of solidarity for our parishioners at all Masses," said Father Hayes. "He brought the song from Guatemala where he and his parishioners often sing it. It's written in both Spanish and English. We printed it for everyone to have so they could sing along with him as he sang it for us.

"When Padre Juan visited Bishop Hubbard, he brought the solidarity song with him and sang it for the Bishop. Bishop Hubbard was so moved that he sang a verse in English with Padre Juan. It was a very emotional moment."

Attacks

* "I come from a country where the people have lived through 36 years of armed conflict. During that time, we witnessed over 200,000 assassinations, murders and abductions. Our diocese was closed at one point and all our priests had to leave for their safety. Only one bishop remained -- and he was assassinated.

* "Looking back at this panorama, our first thoughts are towards solidarity with the American people, especially those who have suffered the loss of life and loved ones. We deeply grieve with them. We can give and take comfort with each other in this solidarity.

* "On this visit, I met with the mother of the slain missionary, Sister Barbara Ford. This woman, who is 84, demonstrated such tender, loving care for me and our people of Guatemala, even after suffering such a great loss. I was deeply moved by this great tender love of hers and realized that this is what we need to give to each other, especially now. This solidarity and tender love for each other is the force that will conquer evil. It is the experience of 'crucified love' being raised in resurrection and life."

(The Evangelist thanks Rev. Richard Broderick, former pastor of St. Mary's in Crescent, who provided translation services for the writer of this article.)

(09-27-01) [[In-content Ad]]