Guatemalan church workers tell of political, economic problems

Published: 2003-10-29

WILMINGTON, Del. (CNS) -- Four representatives of a Guatemalan diocese told Wilmington Catholics of the economic hardships and political precariousness of their Central American country. One layman, Alfonso Lopez, recounted how he and other catechists work at whatever job they can find by day to support their families, then in the late afternoon and evening walk from village to village for prayer services and to prepare children and adults to receive the sacraments. All four expressed concern that a former dictator may win the presidential election in November, raising the specter of a return to major violence and human rights violations. The four -- a priest and three laymen -- were in the Wilmington Diocese for 10 days in mid-October to discuss how Wilmington Catholics can help the people of the Guatemalan Diocese of San Marcos. The visit resulted from a solidarity agreement signed last spring by Wilmington Bishop Michael A. Saltarelli and San Marcos Bishop Alvaro Ramazzini Imeri pledging the two dioceses to a partnership in spiritual, political and material development.

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