Misión de Amistad: A Journey of Faith and Friendship

Mission of Friendship: A Blessed Year in Review

2011-12-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

Beth Boyd, addressing participants during
the Sister Parish Day at Beloved Disciple, Grove City.

As we look to the end of 2011, I am determined to submit one more edition of the Mission blog so we can have a more complete picture of the year. Beth Boyd, former volunteer of the Mission of Friendship, created the blog in February and has generated many favorable and grateful comments from readers. She has kept it very well fed for the first eight months of this year, and we would like to share a few Mission highlights from where we left off in August.

The 7^th annual Sister Parish Day was held on August 6th at Beloved Disciple parish in Grove City. The theme, “Celebrate Sister Parish Style,” focused on cultural events celebrated in Mexico during each month of the year. Fr. Amilcar Matias Rosado Sosa, pastor of St. Stephen, Erie (“on loan” from the Archdiocese of Yucatan), and Beth Boyd, 2011 volunteer for the Mission of Friendship, served as the keynote speakers for the event. Enriching to the discussion, Fr. Amilcar described life in a Yucatecan parish while Beth discussed her work as a liaison between her home parish of Holy Redeemer (Warren, PA) and San Antonio de Padua in Yaxcaba, Yucatan. The event was well attended and provided the participants with an opportunity for sharing and learning about matters pertaining to the sister parish program. We include a word of gratitude to the sister parish committee of Beloved Disciple who hosted the event so graciously.

Fr. John Jacquel (left), and Fr. Luis Martin Tuz.

At the end of August, Cari had a total knee replacement done in Erie, and the physical therapy that was required necessitated that Marilyn and Cari remain there until the end of October. Thanks be to God, Cari’s surgery and therapy went well, and it was an easy to re-entry into the rhythm and pace of Mission projects in Merida.

October held another medical event for a long-time, but recently retired, Mission staff member. Dr. Roger A. Solis Canto had quadruple by-pass surgery done on October 2^nd, with family and friends thoroughly shaken by the seriousness of his condition. His recuperation was slow but steady, and in visiting him on December 23rd, he expressed gratitude for all the prayers and support he received from so many persons. He stated that life now has new meaning in light of such a harrowing experience.

Fr. Paul Siebert, right, pastor of St. Mark (Emporium, PA) and Fr. John
Jacquel of Holy Rosary and St. John (Erie, PA). Next to Fr.
John is Fr. Raúl Alberto Moguel Urtecho, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in
Tinum, Yucatan. Pictured are some of the children of Tinum.

November brought a number of visitors to the Mission. Among them, Fr. Paul Siebert, pastor of St. Mark (Emporium, PA) and Fr. John Jacquel, pastor of Holy Rosary and St. John’s (Erie, PA) came for some rest and relaxation with sister parish visits planned along the way. Fr. Paul has visited his sister parish in Tinum, Yucatan on a number of occasions and frequently discusses it as an energizing experience. Fr. John met the pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption in Chichimilá, Fr. Luis Martin Tuz, for the first time on this particular occasion, and will continue to strengthen their sister parish bond with Holy Rosary through such encounters.

Former Mission of Friendship volunteer Patricia Pipkin spent a week in Yucatan with relatives who have been sponsoring family in the Amigos program for many years. It was the first time that Patricia’s brother Chris, his wife Melissa and their children Emily, Evan and Eric met their sponsored family. It was a very special time for all.

With the help of Mirza the Bethlehem Star and Angelica the angel of the Hogar Nueva Vida, we wish all our friends, families, benefactors, former volunteers, sponsors, our blog readers, and anyone else who has the Mission of Friendship close to their hearts, a

very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. May the Star of Bethlehem guide you in all you do in 2012 and may the choir of angels be on hand to help you wherever and whenever you need it.

¡Feliz navidad y prospero año nuevo!

Mirza as the star and Angelica as the angel,

participating in the traditional Mexican posada of the Hogar Nueva Vida, the Mission's girls' shelter.

A Life of Service: Mission Doctor Retires after 29 Years of Making a Difference

2011-08-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

Dr. Roger performing a weekly check-up on one of the many patients
plagued by diabetes in the small town of Xcucul. As he makes
house-calls to those patients unable to walk to the local church, several
inhabitants of the small town consideredhis kindness above and beyond
the call of duty.

The Mission of Friendship proudly congratulates Dr. Roger Armando Solis Canto, pillar of the Mission Medical Program, as he enters retirement after 29 years of devoted and earnest dedication to the people of Yucatán. As a result of his quiet, consistent efforts, thousands of patients in the small towns outside of Mérida have found medical assistance and comfort as he reached out to those most in need of his care.

Dr. Roger began his service to the Mission of Friendship in the early 1980’s as a volunteering medical student through the University of Yucatán in Mérida. In conjunction with his older brother, Dr. Luis Humberto Solis Canto, Dr. Roger began a dedicated work that would last 29 years in tireless service to some of the poorest communities of the Yucatán.

Dr. Roger, as he visits one of his home-bound patientsin the local towns.
Several patients come to regard him as a close
friend and confidant after decades of weekly medical care.

For close to three decades, Dr. Roger has assumed responsibilities above and beyond his call as Mission medic. He often counseled his patients and always had a ready ear for any of their worries.Those Mission volunteers who were lucky enough to ride into the villages with him found a caring mentor who was always willing to explain some cultural matter or provide a Yucatecan point of view. His steady presence in the lives of the humble people, as he often referred to the poor, was a blessing to them and an inspiration to the Mission of Friendship family.

Asking those who were closest to Dr. Roger, almost all find it difficult to describe the gentle essence of a man who has contributed so much to the legacy of the Mission of Friendship. His kindness, friendship and expertise will continue to be celebrated and remembered as he continues to pursue future endeavors.

Dr. Roger, with Mission coordinators Marilyn Randolph (left) and
Cari Serafin, accepting a certificate of apprecation for 29 years
of dedicated service to the Mission's medical program.

While Dr. Roger entered official retirement on July 4th, 2011, the Mission of Friendship will continue to consider him the “Mission Doctor.” As a final token of appreciation, the Mission of Friendship would once again like to recognize Dr. Roger Armando Solis Canto for his 29 years of dedicated and faithful service to the people of the Yucatán as a true doctor, counselor and friend.

Thank you, Dr. Roger. Muchas gracias.

IWC Donates for Good of Hogar Nueva Vida

2011-06-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

As a token of thanks, the Mission of Friendship would like to offer their sincerest gratitude to the International Women's Club (Mérida, Yucatán) for their generous donation of a new computer to the Hogar Nueva Vida. As the girls continue to grow and learn about the benefits of technology in the 21st century, the IWC's donation will provide greater opportunities for our girls to have hands-on experience with composition, typing and other computer skills.

Hogar Nueva Vida was formed in 1996 to provide a safe environment for young girls from difficult family situations in the south of Mérida. The shelter provides housing, food, education, love and care as each girl seeks to develop her talents in a welcoming atmosphere. The 2011-2012 academic year will mark the 16th year of the Hogar's operation.

Again, a generous thank you to Juanita Geraghty and Charlotte Montague, presenters of the new equipment on behalf of all of the women of the IWC, as well as all donors who make Hogar Nueva Vida possible. You make a difference!

IWC member Julieta Geraghty and Charlotte Montague pose with girls from
the Nueva Vida upon receiving a computer from the Mérida-based
group. The computer will be used for continuingtechnology-
based teaching at the shelter.

Sister Parish Tekit Offers Faith, Celebrations for Regional Feast

2011-06-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

Statue of Saint Anthony of Padua. During
the festival, the statue is moved to a special
podium in order to receive flowers, prayers
and special blessings from the faithful.

Each year, in a dazzling combination of lights, music and dance, the small town of Tekit abandons the modern drab of everyday life as it transforms into a nostalgic glimpse into generations past. A true Yucatecan treasure, Tekit, a bustling pueblo of 10,000 inhabitants, prepares months in advance for the celebration of the year: the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua.

The feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, patron saint of Tekit since the late 16th century, has developed into a true act of religious devotion for native tekiteños. Always falling in early June, celebrations surrounding Saint Anthony begin with a Mass to mark the town's religious devotion and to honor a small statue of the patron saint with flowers, rosaries and specific prayers.

Many of the town's native inhabitants claim that due to Tekit's fervent devotion, Saint Anthony continues to aid those who seek his assistance. Many of those faithful recall his miracles, including a centuries-old appearance in which an unknown farmer offered corn during a country-wide famine in the small pueblo. Those caring for the church later found the feet of the small saint covered in dirt as if walking through the center of town.

Local townspeople participate in a daytime "vaquería" in
honor of St. Anthony. Participants don traditional dress and
dance one of Yucatán's best known dances, the jarana.

Special events honoring Saint Anthony of Padua include Masses and processions, as well as day-long festivals featuring traditional dress, music and bull fights. This year's celebration, beginning on June 8th, ended on the formal feast day of the saint, June 13th. Elaborate processions and a closing Mass, in which the sacred statue was returned to the church, concluded the festivities.

The parish of Tekit, known simply as Saint Anthony of Padua (Father Bartolome Tuz Mut, presiding), remains a Sister Parish to Our Lady of the Americas in Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania (Rev. Stephen Anderson). As of 2010, a renewed committment to the Sister Parish relationship has sparked ongoing talks and committee formations to facilitate communication between the two churches.

Special thanks go to Father Bartolome and native tekiteños Juan and Koki Góngora-Gonzalez for their hospitality and information concerning these wonderful Yucatecan traditions.

Mission of Friendship Remembers Sister Mary Margaret Kraus, OSB

2011-05-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Sister Mary Margaret spends an afternoon with children
from Los Amiguitos Daycare Center during a visit in the
early 1990s.

The Mission of Friendship of Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, wishes to express its deepest sympathy to the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Pennsylvania at the loss of their beloved Sister Mary Margaret Kraus, OSB. Sister Mary Margaret, who passed away peacefully on May 15th, 2011 in the company of her loved ones at Mount St. Benedict Monastery (Erie, PA), will continue to be remembered for the joyful and compassionate nature that defined her life as a Benedictine sister wherever she served.
A pillar of the Erie Benedictines for over the course of seven decades, Sister Mary Margaret held a number of important positions throughout her life in the community. Her hallmark achievement was a 14-year position as Monastery prioress, in which she gently guided the community through the challenging transition brought about by Vatican II. During that time, she also assisted in the planning and development of a new Benedictine Motherhouse. When her term ended as Prioress, she became the director of the community’s Camp Glinodo. It was work that was tailored to fit her great love of nature and of gardening. Prior to her death, Sister ministered to the women inmates at two local prisons.

Despite her numerous responsibilities in Erie, Sister Mary Margaret fulfilled a life long dream of being a missionary by spending some time at the Erie Diocesan Mission of Friendship in Mérida, Yucatán, México in the 1990’s. She is best remembered at the Mission for her kindness, gentleness and compassion.

Gladys Vasquez-Peña, Coordinator of the Amigos Program for the Mission of Friendship, remembers how faithful Sister was to the children she sponsored, even arranging to be present for the XV birthday celebration of one of her sponsored girls, an important milestone for young girls in Mexico.

As Director of the Los Amiguitos Day Care Center, Silvia Gonzalez Garcia remembers Sister Mary Margaret's compassion and playfulness. "When she had a free moment, she would come to the Day Care Center and play with the children. Even though she didn't speak Spanish, it didn't matter. The children knew she loved them and they responded to that love and concern. She was a remarkable woman."

Cari Serafin and Marilyn Randolph, coordinators of the Mission recall numerous times when the Mission community would gather for morning prayer and reflection and Mary Margaret’s name would come up as a model of holiness. For those who knew her, she was truly a modern saint, in the company of those who knew how to bring virtue to life, especially deep faith, unconditional love, compassion for those who suffer and gentle peace.

At this difficult time, the Mission of Friendship extends its profound sympathy to all of the Benedictine community while continuing to remember Sister Mary Margaret, her gentle compassion, her deep appreciation of each person she knew and her readiness to celebrate life to the fullest at each moment.

May she rest in peace.

Children's Day Brings Joy for Mission of Friendship Youth

2011-05-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

Gifts for each child, including a blouse, barrettes
and pencils help them finish the rest of the school
year with something new.

The child must know that she is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like her.

- Pablo Casals (1876-1973)

As spring rapidly turns into summer and the school days begin to shorten, children throughout all of Mérida become anxious for that day of the year when everything becomes a whirlwind of childhood fun and joy flourishes throughout the neighborhoods. As the city prepares weeks in advance, children eagerly await the food, games, prizes and special gifts that mark the time when the country honors its youngest citizens with relaxation and play.

Día del Niño, or Children's Day, seeks to honor children all over the world for being who they are: young, creative people who revitalize and reshape the world with each new generation. While celebrated globally, April 30th marks the official day of annual festivities throughout Mérida and the rest of Mexico.

Created in 1952 as a result of suggestions from the United Nations, UN officials proposed that an annual youth day would promote global awareness of children's universal rights regardless of nationality, economic status, cultural customs or other unique characteristics. Variations of Children's Day are celebrated around the world, with Latin American countries such as Mexico giving special attention to young citizens and their families. Celebrations are often city-wide, including fairs, in-school activities and government-sponsored events.

Girls from Hogar Nueva Vida enjoy an afternoon
at the pool in light of Día del Niño celebrations.

As one may expect, Mérida continues to celebrate Día del Niño with all of the excitement and enthusiasm of week-long carnivals, street fairs and festivals throughout the city. Here at the Mission of Friendship, both the Amiguitos Daycare and Hogar Nueva Vida each worked to provide a day of fun and relaxation for all of its children, with celebration including swimming, games and special holiday treats. Each child also received small gifts, ranging from shirts and candy to brightly- colored No. 2 pencils in preparation for the rest of the school year.

Special thanks goes to all of the benefactors of the Los Amiguitos Daycare and Hogar Nueva Vida for continuing to provide quality care, love and education to those children and youth in need throughout all of Southern Mérida. On behalf of all of our children, we greatly thank them for all they do and would like to wish everyone a happy Día del Niño 2011!

- Pablo Casals (1876-1973)

Ichmul: Lenten Reflections on the Black Christ

2011-04-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

Thousands begin Stations of the Cross, ultimately leading
to mass with the Cristo Negro. Dozens of tour buses
denote the volume of faithful.

It may be said that the Yucatan takes its Lent seriously. For those who have not visited Mexico (or any part of Central or Latin America, for that matter), this may come as a slight surprise; while Lenten observance around the world always touches upon the austere and penitential, there exists in Mexico a special delight in the sacrifice, a gusto in the repentance that pulls the faithful away from the day to day and toward a committment to that which tests the mind, body and spirit. Poignant displays of faith, not limited to elaborate Stations of the Cross, Lenten retreats and special devotions heighten the intensity of Christian devotion as Holy Week ultimately takes center stage.

As a testament to such committment, the small town of Ichmul hosts a special April pilgrimage devoted to its well-known religious artifact known simply by many as El Cristo Negro - The Black Christ. While there are undoubtedly many who immediately question as to the origin of the Christ and why, exactly, it's blackened, the answer reaches back to the 17th century.

Thousands of faithful line up to have
flowers, prayer cards and other religious
articles touched by the feet of the Cristo.

During a certain Lent in the middle of the 1600s, it is rumored that a tree in the center of Ichmul miraculously burst into flames every Friday without being consumed. The local priest, awestruck at this occurrence, ordered the tree be chopped down and its trunk eventually carved into a crucifix by a mysterious traveling artisan. Its ability to heal the faithful, and eventually survive a devastating church fire (hence, blackened by the flames), has earned the Cristo Negro a place in the hearts of devout Yucatecans throughout the area.

As the Cristo Negro was unfortunately destroyed in the early 1900s as a result of a political unrest, one of two exact replicas made of the original Christ was used for the special celebration. Although too large to be carried in procession (it's over 10 feet tall!), the crucifix presides over the celebration in the center of town as a destination for the faithful this Lenten season.

Events focusing upon the Cristo Negro includes a mile-long pilgrimage centered on the Stations of the Cross as well as a mass to conclude the festivities. The mass, featuring both readings and music ministry in Maya and Spanish, seeks to bring testament to the bilingual nature of the area. Those who wish to have religious items touched by the Christ are welcomed to wait after all public events have ended. The event continues to grow exponentially, with an estimated 10,000-12,000 faithful attending the pilgrimage and over 100 priests from the Archdiocese officiating.

Through events such as these, the Yucatan continues to increase the faith of many while adding a unique Latin American flavor to the season of Lent. To all of our friends in the Yucatán, the U.S. and abroad, best wishes for a blessed and sacred Holy Week.

Want to know more about the Cristo Negro? Recent newspaper coverage from the Diario de Yucatán detailing the pilgrimage (article is in Spanish):

http://www.yucatan.com.mx/20110411/nota-7/99342-cita-con-el-cristo-negro.htm

Clothed in Love: Amigos Program Sponsors Annual Clothing Drive

2011-04-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

Sister Claire Hudert, OSB, pictured with an
Amigos Program family during a recent bazaar.

There is certain excitement in the air when the bazar de ropa arrives to the Mission of Friendship. It is often comparable to the joyful uncertainty of a Christmas morning: friends, families and communities gather together, questioning as to what could be in all of the varied boxes and bags, wondering what each package might have for them. When all of the goodies are opened and explored, many are left waiting for the next time such an opportunity may occur, asking, "When will this come again?"

These bazares de ropa, or clothing drives, have become a staple of the Mission of Friendship since its founding in 1971. While these drives may be connected to the Mission of Friendship as a whole, it is specifically the Amigos Program which ensures that new or gently-used clothing gets in the hands of families associated with the Mission. Established in the late 1980s with the help of Sister Claire Hudert, OSB, the Amigos Progam has striven to link families in the U.S. with Meridian families in need. Funds from these sponsors especially provide an essential support through which parents may cover the costs of their children's education.

In addition to education, however, the Amigos Program also attempts to assess and help meet the basic needs of each individual family. Fortunately, this is where programs such as bazares de ropa come to the rescue.

Deb and Dan Drayer also visited their sponsored family
after bringing clothes for the bazaar. Pictured is
their visit with the Kantun-Sosa Family.

But how does such an event work? While planning a clothing drive may seem easy (clothes + table + people = automatic sale, right?), such happenings take quite a bit of work. As Mexico imports the vast majority of its clothing for retail sale, prices for quality children and adult apparel is considerably above the norm for United States markets. As an alternative, Hudert works to bring clothing from the U.S. to Mérida through sponsorship drives. Hudert searches outlets and department stores for closeout prices on a variety of clothing, eventually to have these pieces sponsored by local churches and religious communities to cover the original expense. Once the clothing has been fully paid for, she brings it to the families of Mérida free of cost. Gently-used clothing from various persons in the Erie, PA community also add quality apparel to Hudert's collection.

Some of our Amigos Program family members at
our recent bazaar.

This year, families sponsored by the Amigos Program received up to roughly $10.00 of merchandise per family, with new and gently-used clothing selling for $1.00- $2.00 dollars per item. Monies that were paid over the $10.00 limit will be allotted to various Mission initiatives.

Comments from families including "great clothing," and "What a needed event for me and my family," remind and encourage Hudert and all of the Mission of Friendship that such an activity will continue to be a long-standing tradition of service to the communities in the southern Mérida area.

Special thanks this year goes not only to Hudert, but also sponsoring families Deb and Dan Drayer, Chris and Mike Coller and Sister Audrey Berdis and Mildred Riegel, sponsors who were all willing to make this year's clothing drive a reality. Their willingness to prepare and transport such large volumes of clothing assured that this year's bazar would truly be a success. Thanks also goes to Los Amiguitos Director Silvia Gonzalez Garcia and Amigos Program Coordinator Gladys Vasquez Peña for their hard work in coordinating another flawless Amigos Program event.

New Computer Helps Girls Learn at Hogar Nueva Vida

2011-03-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

Bowie (Left) and Williams with
recent donation.

The Mission of Friendship is pleased to announce the arrival of its newest technological addition: a computer for the girls of Hogar Nueva Vida! Early last Tuesday, Mr. Roger Bowie and Mr. Joseph Williams, members of the Mérida Men's Group, delivered the computer along with a variety of microphones, diskettes and other computer software for the girls to use as they progress throughout their academic studies. The computer, originally William's, was donated after he had heard of the Mission's need through Bowie and the rest of the organization.

The Mérida Men's Group, in conjunction with The International Women's Club (also of Mérida), have been consistently attentive to the needs of the Hogar Nueva Vida throughout the past years. Members volunteer a variety of services beyond generous gifts, including transporting weekly foodstuffs from local markets to Hogar Nueva Vida, dressing up as holiday characters for Christmas and Halloween and performing repair and maintenance work on the Hogar's various buildings.

As for now, the new computer will be placed in the Computation Room near the girl's classrooms. This important tool- in conjunction with others at the shelter- will allow the girls to learn basic computing skills, ultimately preparing them for high school and greater career options beyond graduation.

Special thanks again to Joseph Williams, Roger Bowie and The Mérida Men's Group for their generous donation.

Children of Los Amiguitos Daycare Center Present Carnaval 2011

2011-03-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

Girls from Los Amiguitos presenting a themed dance
for family and friends.

While the joy and excitement of Carnaval 2011 (see Carnaval 2011 comes to Mérida and Hogar Nueva Vida) has already given way to a more serious Lenten season here in Mérida, the Mission of Friendship doesn't want to say goodbye to all of the celebration without first sharing a Carnaval presentation given by the children of Los Amiguitos Daycare Center, a branch of the Mission of Friendship established in 1987 and funded by the Pallotines of the Immaculate Conception Province (New Jersey).

As a way to celebrate the Carnaval season, annual presentations have become a staple of school district calendars and an anticipated activity of both children and staff alike. While older teens in high schools around the city often present dances in the annual parades, younger children in pre-school through middle school often host their own celebration as a festive equivalent.

Presentations include the crowning of a king and queen, along with a variety of well-rehearsed dances. Costumes are often a mix of rented attire as well as clothing especially tailored for the occasion. Specifically, the Carnaval presentation for Los Amiguitos featured over 20 children with an overall estimated attendance of 60 family and friends.

The Mission of Friendship would like to send a special thanks to Director Silvia Gonzalez and the staff of Los Amiguitos for their hard work on making Carnaval 2011 a success!

For more information concerning the Pallotines and the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Immaculate Conception Province), please visit http://sacapostles.org/

Above: Children from Los Amiguitos Daycare dance after

the coronation of the king and queen.

Carnaval 2011 Comes to Mérida and Hogar Nueva Vida

2011-03-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

As Carnaval 2011 (March 2nd through March 8th) blew into the heart of downtown Mérida, the once relatively-quiet city was thrown into a spinning collection of lights, music, food and the joy of unbridled celebration. While many around other parts of the globe celebrated with varying pre-Lenten festivities, Mérida ushered in a week of elaborate parades, free downtown concerts and dozens of food and beverage vendors ready to serve any and all who came to celebrate the week's events.

In hopes to celebrate such a special time of year for all of Mérida, the girls of the Nueva Vida Shelter spent the afternoon before Carnaval creating and decorating masks similar to those worn in the parades during this time of year. The masks were then displayed throughout the rest of the week and finally given to the girls to take home and enjoy for the holiday weekend.

As Carnaval celebrations have finally drawn to a close, it is our wish that everyone may experience a sincere and blessed Lenten season.

Temozón Offers Modern Yucatecan Treasure

2011-03-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

Front facade of new parish. Pre-fabricated cement prevents

swelling and cracking that would normally occur under

humidity and high temperatures.

As of recently, Cari Serafin and Marilyn Randolph (coordinators of the Mission of Friendship) and I had the pleasure of meeting with Father Alfredo Cirerol Ojeda, priest of Divina Misericordia Church and diocesan advisor to the Mission’s operations within the Yucatan Peninsula. The visit was twofold: one, to deliver communication from Saint Michael the Archangel Church (where Msgr. Jan Olowin, founder of the Mission of Friendship, is pastor) to the Parish of Divina Misericordia through the Sister Parish Program. Secondly, I hoped to meet such an important person to the Mission of Friendship, as Father Alfredo has remained a long-time friend and supporter of Mission initiatives since its founding. In his excitement to meet with us and receive correspondence from close friend Msgr. Olowin and the parish, Father Alfredo invited us to see one of the Diocese’s newest endeavors: the parish of Temozón.

For those who might not be familiar with the geography of the Yucatan, Temozón Norte (teh-moh-SOHN) is a small town located 10 minutes north of Mérida with a small yet active population of inhabitants. While Temozón affords its people common needs and small luxuries, however, the town has lacked a fully-functional chapel for some time. As a response to this need, construction began in 2010 to erect a worship space after funds became available within the Catholic community of Divina Misericordia.

Front doors, inside view.

While many who have visited Mérida will attest to the structural similarities of its colonial churches (stone or cement facades, ornate altar construction and statues placed throughout the space), the modern architecture of Temozón’s chapel summons an air of 21st century austerity; clean lines and abstract stained glass give the feeling of contemporary design while its simplicity allows worshippers to focus on personal prayer or the mass at hand. Further architectural details, including pre-fabricated cement, marble detailing and extensive ventilation, call to the heat of the Yucatan and allow the chapel to stay cool in relation to the daily temperatures.

Front of chapel. A glass wall allows light to enter while

providing parishioners the ability to appreciate outside

greenery. Altar is of marble construction.

While construction on the church continues to near completion, Father Alfredo has already initiated weekly mass, with parish activity hoping to increase as construction finishes. It was confirmed that work will also begin on pastoral housing for the attending priest once the main chapel is complete.

The Mission of Friendship would like to thank Father Alfredo Cirerol Ojeda for his continued work as diocesan advisor and his generosity in sharing with all of us yet another treasure of the Diocese of Mérida.

Wheeling Jesuit University: Celebrating 10 Years of Dedication to the People of the Yucatan

2011-02-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

As I sat with Dr. Mark Drnach one breezy Mérida evening at the mission volunteer house discussing the day's events, it was hard to believe that I was speaking with a man who has been witness to a journey of life-changing service to the Mexican people throughout the past decade. Mark, a clinical associate professor of Wheeling Jesuit University (Wheeling, West Virginia) serves as one of the founding members who has persisted through 10 years of excursions to places of medical need throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.

Drnach stated that the program initially evolved from a need for nursing expertise in the Mérida area. In early 2000, Sr. Janet Goetz, OSB (of WJU's 2000 Department of Nursing) received a small grant to develop and cultivate a program that might help relieve the nursing shortage while providing WJU students with an opportunity to hone their medical skills in an international setting. Through shared religious associate Sr. Claire Hudert, OSB, Wheeling Jesuit became linked with the Mission of Friendship and began to utilize the Mission as a gateway to various medical facilities in the Yucatan. Since 2001, the program has grown from four to 40 volunteers partnering with a total of 11 pediatric and adult organizations throughout the Mérida, Izamal and Valladolid areas.

Volunteers giving a new coat of paint to playground equipment
at Los Amiguitos ("The Little Friends") Daycare, directed
by the Mission of Friendship.

And what exactly happens in these interactions? Drnach describes his relationship with local clinics and care centers as an ongoing partnership; he and other volunteers provide new and alternative methods of education and medical treatment to organizations while their Yucatecan counterparts allow access to their patients and provide the participants with an education on local interventions and care. At the end of the day, U.S. participants leave with a better understanding of health care in the Yucatan while their Mexican partners receive an international validation and input to their work from any of the attending universities. Simply stated in the words of Drnach: "We don't save people; rather, we find out how and what they need, how their needs are being addressed, and if necessary, provide alternative ways to address the same outcomes. It is our participants, and I hope those in Mexico, whose lives are enriched from our established friendships and conversations."

Volunteer specialties range from pediatrics and respiratory therapy to special needs and general medical assistance. With groups comprised of licensed medical professionals and educators, as well as graduate-level students from universities now including Wheeling Jesuit University, Humber College (Canada), University of the District of Columbia and Ohio State University (who has since created an independent program based on WJU's programming), each volunteer provides needed assistance in places such as free-standing clinics, mental health organizations and schools especially designed for children with disabilities. Volunteers throughout their stay offer their occupational talents as well as general assistance with service projects as seen fit by the university advisors.

Volunteers in front of the daycare after finishing various
renovations, including re-caulking of classroom windows
and playground equipment.

Mark continues to encourage others to become involved in this ongoing project (he can be reached for further information at drnach@wju.edu ). Through the commitment of these professionals and staff, the quality of life for many in the Yucatan Peninsula continues to be changed in a radical and selfless manner; embodying the words of Mary Ann Evans Cross, which has become the motto of the Mission of Friendship, these volunteers ultimately ask: "What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for others?"

Gratitude goes to Wheeling Jesuit University, Humber College and the University of the District of Columbia for their time and commitment in another great year of service.

Interested in working with WJU?

WJU offers a variety of service opportunities for medical professionals interested in dedicating their time to partner with Latin American clinics and fellow organizations. Those interested in volunteering for periods of 10 days or less in either Mexico or Peru will be placed on a "persons of interest" list until further details become available. Please contact Dr. Mark Drnach, clinical associate professor of Wheeling Jesuit University at drnach@wju.edu for further details.

Who is Beth Boyd?

2011-02-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

Beth Boyd (left) and Myrrah Pardini (friend and reoccurring volunteer)
at a recent Mérida en Domingo celebration.
(February 2011)

Beth Boyd is the most recent volunteer arrival to the Misión de Amistad. She comes from Warren, Pennsylvania and has graduated from Mercyhurst College with a degree in Psychology and World Languages and Cultures. Beth is a member of Holy Redeemer Church in Warren and has been inspired to join the Mission staff through a variety of experiences, including her relationship with Mercyhurst College, her parish and previous study abroad opportunities. We welcome Beth to the Mission and invite you to read about her first day in Mérida. - Cari