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By Marie Mulvenna
GUATEMALA CITY—It is an extremely rugged and lengthy trip
into the mountains of Guatemala and the old van filled with 10 people from Holy
Trinity Church, Peachtree City, wound its way slowly from Guatemala City,
climbing through early morning sunshine into the hills that would eventually
lead them to the tiny village of San Mateo.
Behind the van was a small pickup truck, piled high with suitcases
filled with medical supplies. A two-hour stop was a lunch visit with the bishop
of Huehuetenango and then the group was back on the mountain trail. Twelve
hours later, the medical mission from Holy Trinity finished their ascent and
were greeted warmly by the native Mayan residents who eagerly awaited them.
This was the third trip from Holy Trinity to the Diocese of
Huehuetenango, chosen by the parish as a social justice project for the Jubilee
Year 2000.
For the people of tiny San Mateo, this was not only a medical
visit but the social event of the season. Many remembered the earlier visits of
Father Fernando Molina-Restrepo, parochial vicar at Holy Trinity, and parish
volunteers. This time, some 650 residents received medical attention and loving
care from the medical team that included a doctor, six nurses and two
interpreters.
Father Molina-Restrepo again led the missionaries and is
reflective when speaking of the trip.
“I think that when our parish community gathered together to
help us provide this trip, we surely are allowing Jesus to help through
us,” he said. “I know that we were not able to address all of their
many needs, but every little bit we could do helps them so much.”
Father Molina-Restrepo said the group intended to reach out to
more people during the visit and were pleased that 650 received aid. In
addition, many religious articles were given to the people and $3,500 was
brought from the children of Holy Trinity Parish to a parish school in
Huehuetenango. An additional $3,000 donation was made by Holy Trinity for a
parish center being built in San Mateo Ixtatan.
Dr. Janet Gerard of Piedmont Physicians in Peachtree City
described the trip as one of “absolutely God’s work.” She noted
the intense faith of the people.
“The Word is already there and their faith is extremely
inspirational,” she said.
Gerard said the poverty was more severe than she had expected.
Medical problems included infectious diseases, basic health needs, poor
nutrition, hygiene-related issues, parasites and eye problems.
“The people were so receptive and looked to Father Fernando
as a leader,” she said.
Gerard noted the absence of many Western society illnesses such as
hypertension and obesity.
Patients at the clinic eagerly lined up in the early morning hours
to receive care. The team set up a triage system to evaluate the severity of
conditions, and two medical areas addressed those needs. Marian Spencer, one of
the interpreters, said there was a social atmosphere and many people wanted to
visit and talk. With the help of Marcos, who runs the tiny clinic in the town,
three-way translations took place, from the native “chuh” Mayan
dialect to Spanish, then to English, and back.
Spencer said she was amazed at the happiness of the people, in
spite of dreadful living conditions.
“They were always smiling and enjoyed having us to talk
to,” she said.
Each morning, she said, Father Molina-Restrepo celebrated Mass at
7 a.m. in the 500-year-old church in San Mateo, concelebrating with the local
pastor, Father Andres.
“I was moved by the universality of the Mass and the deep
faith,” Spencer said. “The entire visit was very touching. We went
there to touch them and instead they touched us.”
The school of San Sebastian was a stopping point on the return
trip to Guatemala City and a festive ceremony welcomed the Holy Trinity gift to
the school as the medical team was honored with dancing and tributes. The
missionaries were deeply moved.
The Guatemala Action Project will continue at Holy Trinity as
parishioners dedicate their time and effort to continuing the cherished
relationship with the native people of San Mateo. During 2000, Holy Trinity
provided financial support for a breakfast program for the village school
children. New approaches may be developed for future assistance, but the
Guatemala project is alive and well in Peachtree City. |
