What 'sister parishes' are like

The parishioners of St. Helen's and Our Lady of Fatima are in a sister-parish relationship with Catholics from St. Agustin Church in Cuanacaxtitlan, Mexico. The parish is served by Rev. Massimo Segu.

Cuanacaxtitlan, often referred to as Cuana, has about 5,000 residents. It has electricity and a water purification plant.

Yoloxochitl, often referred to as Yolo, has about 2,000 residents. It is also served by Father Segu at a church named San Francisco.

Arroyo Cumiapa (Cumiapa) has 1,000 residents. It is the most remote village served by the priest. It is also the location of the health clinic built with funds raised by St. Helen's and Our Lady of Fatima.

The priest is working with the Mexican government to secure a doctor for the clinic. Currently, it is staffed by a nurse.

In 2006, approximately 30 children and 20 adults in the parish died. The contributing factors were an unsanitary water supply, lack of sufficient nourishment and lack of medical care. There is also a delay in children receiving vaccinations. The region also has high rates of asthma and diabetes. (MM)

(02/21/08)