Priest supports seminarian in Guatemala

As a "padrino" (Spanish for "Godfather"), Father Waldron corresponds with Jose Nicolas Catu-Chicol, now in his third year of theology at the diocesan seminary in Solola, Guatemala, every few months.

Last May, Father Waldron traveled to Guatemala to meet the seminarian for the first time, and an interpreter was present to assist with their dialogue.

Connected

Father Waldron chose to become a sponsor soon after a priest affiliated with CFCA visited Our Lady of Mercy Church last year and encouraged parishioners to sponsor children or the aged.

The visiting priest also promoted the new religious vocations sponsorship program, which CFCA created in response to requests from bishops and religious congregations for help in educating young men and women from poor families who were responding to God's call.

The parish sponsored a child in Mexico, and individual parishioners also sponsored children on their own. Meanwhile, Father Waldron took an interest in sponsoring a seminarian.

Support

Mr. Catu-Chicol is the oldest of four children in a poor Mayan family; his father earns $45 per month by farming and can't afford the cost of seminary studies. Although many in Mr. Catu-Chicol's situation would not consider the priesthood, the assistance he receives through Father Waldron's sponsorship helps make his pursuits possible.

"The oldest son is usually expected to stay and help the family, but this is an exception. The father is delighted that [his son] is in the seminary and going to be ordained," Father Waldron noted.

Words and pictures

They kept in touch by mail for several months before finally meeting last May when Father Waldron joined about a dozen fellow sponsors on a ten-day Mission Awareness Trip to Guatemala. They visited a parish, schools, an orphan home and homes. Although living conditions were substandard, people were hospitable and took pride in their humble accommodations, Father Waldron remarked.

After seven days of such visits, the sponsors were introduced to the children or seminarians who they support.

Take two

Writing letters back and forth has been rewarding for Father Waldron, but seeing Mr. Catu-Chicol meant even more to him. He brought audio tapes for Mr. Catu-Chicol to help him learn English and was glad that he was doing so well in the seminary.

"It was much more interesting to be able to meet him," said Father Waldron. "Often people wonder, 'Where is the money going?' It is being well used."

(For more information about CFCA's religious vocation sponsorship program, call 1-800-875-6564.)

(10-29-98) [[In-content Ad]]