Saltillo mission approaches 40th anniversary
Saltillo, Mexico – Just sending along a short note to thank folks and tell them what we are up to here...
Well, after a full year of trying to get Lupe and Jose Trinidad married, and after three changes in date, we did it. On Saturday, Dec. 27, they said “I do.” Jose was a little bit shy, but Lupe helped him to get the words out audibly. She did not step on his toes too much, but did have to grab his hands, since he did not seem too interested in any hand holding in public. This wedding is just one of many joys and projects going on here in Saltillo.
We are into the second year of a new catechetical program, and it is very successful in the city. We are looking for a simpler format for the 24 villages. They like the streamlined option. It is better for the catechists who have less training than those in the city parishes.
The former choir members from Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Perpetuo Socorro) have worked in the parish this past year. They are marking 35 years of existence. They are helping our in-town choirs to learn and grow in their ability and zeal for the music for the liturgy. They have great fun in all their practices.
We are still getting around to visit the ranchos about every three weeks. Father Benny came up with the idea of bringing hard-to-get or more expensive items to the people. We bring cabbage, fruit, and veggies out to the ranchos instead of beans and flour right now.
The Coahuila government gave us help with toys, blankets, and some treats for the kids for Christmas. We are getting those out between Dec. 25 and Jan. 6. We were especially blessed again with a super enthusiastic group of university students from Monterrey. They were in five villages just a few days before Christmas. They came back tired but very happy with their time working with the folks in the rural areas.
Some of the ranchos got rain in great abundance in the summer, others almost none. We are able to buy from the harvest of some ranchos beans and squash, and sell them, very cheaply, in those ranchos that had no harvest. Father Benny is making great connections in this endeavor. He has already contacted folks in the neighboring state of Zacatecas and buying beans at a real bargain there to bring to folks in the villages here in Coahuila.
Our two religious volunteers, Sisters Vicki and Vivi, who helped us for the past year were recalled to their community. We will miss them. They did excellent work getting some villages more active and taking more responsibility for their life of faith.
We are so far able to find a family very interested in weekend ministry, and they will work in one of our ranchos that seems to be lacking spirit in their walk with Jesus. The husband is very interested in the permanent diaconate, so perhaps he will be able to pursue this dream after his experience in the rancho.
Our groups continue to visit. In the year ahead we have groups signed up from the University of Florida, Southeastern Louisiana University, and youth and adult groups from the dioceses of Biloxi, Jackson, New Orleans, and Shreveport.
The program for these groups still is developing and changing. We hope they are growing during the short visits they have here in northeast Mexico. Doctors, dentists, nurses, and medical students come along too, and help out in the rural communities where they land during their visit.
I will be returning to Mississippi in January to work in the Corinth area. Father Benny will remain here in Saltillo and guide the ministry and activities of the mission/parish.
2009 will be the 40th year for the Mississippi presence in Saltillo. The challenges continue, but the vision and efforts still bear much fruit for the people and Diocese of Saltillo. We ask your continued support and prayers, and interest in our brothers and sisters in our care.
Fr. Benny Piovan and Fr. Rich Smith
Saltillo. 