Religious ed students link with Guatemalans

For five years, faith formation youths at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Queensbury have been learning about Guatemala's culture, people, schools and celebrations.

They have done so not through history books or the internet, but via letters and photographs they've received as sponsors of two children in Central America.

One of them is Rosa Guadalupe De La Cruz Ovalle. She was six in 1999 when the faith formation program made a commitment to sponsor her through the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, a lay Catholic organization serving the poor at mission sites around the world.

The second child is Marvin Francisco Aju Perez, 13. In 2000, when a parishioner could no longer manage the $240 annual commitment to him, the faith formation program decided to continue helping him.

Communicating in art

The children at Annunciation became pen-pals with Rosa, even though she could not write or read three years ago. But she could draw beautifully.

"Rosa sent us drawings of flowers, her home and nature," said Cathy Vesterby, director of faith formation. "A translator would write Rosa's letter to us. Today, Rosa is doing the writing. From the photos we received, we can see her wonderful smile, and we can see how much she's grown. We know that she received her First Holy Communion last year. We are so happy for her and her family."

The parish knew the commitment to the Latin American children "would not put an unnecessary burden on any child," Ms. Vesterby explained. "We knew if each child brought in 50 cents once a year, we could sponsor Rosa and Marvin. We are connected to their physical and spiritual well being."

In touch

Each year, youth ministry students write letters in Spanish to Rosa and Marvin, while younger children have sent cards and pictures. Peter Battiste Jr., an 11th-grade student, recalls how grateful Rosa and Marvin were for basic items many students in America take for granted.

"Rosa thanked us for clothing, for being able to go to a doctor and for birthday gifts," he said. "She wrote about being safe and sound with her parents and sisters. Marvin thanks us for school supplies and clothing. He writes a lot about holidays and celebrations."

In a recent letter, Marvin wrote: "I send you a cordial greetings. I'm well of health, close to my parents and to my dear sister. Thank you very much for the benefits received for me, like my fellowship, my shoes, my trousers and my scholastic utensils. In my town recently was celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi. There was a dance called 'El ronudo.'"

In their letters, Rosa and Marvin often thank God for the support of the youth. "The children and parish of Annunciation pray for them often," Ms. Vesterby said. "We are honored to be their sponsors."

(4/24/03) [[In-content Ad]]