Children's Day Brings Joy for Mission of Friendship Youth



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

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

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

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

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

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

    





 

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.