August 15th, 2004
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| Delegates: Kneeling- Briana Connors, Mindy Ahler-Olmstead. Back Row(L-R)- Joel Papa, Ann Maczuga, Jenny Linane, Michael Branigan, Katharine Malaga, Ross Starkson. |
We processed in through heavy incense and joyous Guatemalan song.
The church, which would be at standing room only, was beginning to
fill. The message of the Gospel spoke of Mary's Magnificat and the
Visitation. Our message, given by Ross and interpreted in Spanish by
Katharine, was that like Elizabeth, who had felt a child leap for joy
in her womb, we had also felt a child, the fruit of our dreams, leap
for joy in our hearts. Our visit to TNII was not just a visit; it was,
indeed, a Visitation. Much fruit could come from our time here, but as
the child in our first reading, it could be threatened by a dragon, the
violence and negativity so often found in the world. We would have to
"slay the dragon," nurture and protect this child, the fruit of our
visit, so that it could continue to thrive and live.
We returned to our homes for breakfast, our next to the last meal and final "despedida" (leavetaking) with our host families. This was indeed difficult and painful for all. Some extended the "despedida" (and the tears) and accompanied us to San Marcos Evangelista where we went for our delegation evaluation by TNII and SJA. Next was yet another "comida"(meal), "pepian de pollo"(chicken stew), wonderfully prepared by several of the loving women from our host families. Then the "real goodbye." This time it really was the last time (for a while). Many of us truly know that we will be back and that this is "hasta luego" (until we see you again). They replied yes, we know, BUT "primero Dios (first God) and "si Dios quiere" (God willing) and "vaya con Dios" (Go with God). They know that we do not make all of these decisions for ourselves.
We descended back to Guatemala City and returned to the Sister Parish building, known as La Belga (Belgian school and convent). This is like home to us now, very comfortable and familiar. We have more processing of the trip, a debriefing that takes about two and a half hours. Ultimately, it is good to do; it brings closure and allows us to explore the meaning of our visit.
We then proceed to the Constitutional Plaza, el Palacio Nacional and the Cathedral. This is a large and impressive square; the center of Guatemalan history with reminders of triumphs and tragedies everywhere. We enter the Cathedral and pause at the large pillars where the names of the massacred, the tortured and the disappeared from the La Violencia (Civil War) are engraved in stone. Mass is being said when we enter; we walk along the long rows of beautiful side altars where candles burn and many kneel in prayer. At the end is a beautiful and moving "capilla" (chapel) with El Cristo de Esquipulas, the Black Christ of Esquipulas, where an entire family prayed and lit "velas" (candles). They shed tears and held on to the feet of Christ as if for dear life, signs of the deep and fervent faith of the people of Guatemala. Viewing their faith is truly moving, a "conversion” experience; one we can all learn from.
We return to the Plaza; the "feria" (fair) for the Assumption is ending. We walk by the "Eternal Flame of Peace." But, as with everything in Guatemala, this has more than one meaning. The flame is not lit; it has been put out and protested by students who object to it being dedicated to "the heroes of peace." This is said to be code for the Army and not true heroes. Along side is another monument from a student association with a poem by the Guatemalan poet/martyr Otto Rene Castillo that speaks to his tragic and beautiful nation.
We eat at a Mexican restaurant and return to La Belga, our Sister Parish home. All will go their own ways now, some to home, others to Antigua and other parts of Guatemala. We have all shared so much and as the Sister Parish mission states, we leave with "...a deeper faith, a broader vision, a greater understanding of the issues, and new relationships."
Paz,
The delegation from SP