Back in Honduras

Father Efraín Romero, the director of the diocesan CARITAS and the pastor of the parish of Dulce Nombre de María, and I made a whirlwind trip to the US, from April 23 to May 2. We went to begin to make contacts with potential sources of technical and financial assistance, as well as to strengthen ties to the parish of St. Thomas Aquinas in Ames, Iowa.

We met with people from two foundations as well as with staff of Catholic Relief Services and the US bishops’ office for the collection for Latin America.

In Ames, we met with many people from St. Thomas Aquinas. Padre Efraín celebrated a Thursday Night Liturgy and concelebrated two weekend Masses and was introduced at the other Masses. I had a chance to say thank you to the parish at all the Masses and to give them a brief overview of what we’re doing here in the diocese of Santa Rosa de Copán.

CARITAS of the diocese of Santa Rosa is hoping to develop an ambitious program throughout the diocese in sustainable agriculture. One idea is to set up pilot projects in two parishes of each of the seven deaneries in the diocese, starting with the poorest parishes, when there is interest and willingness to work. In Ames we talked with a good number of people in agriculture as well as in sustainable development. It was, I believe, quite fruitful as we shared our vision and we heard of their experiences.

What we heard most often was the necessity to recognize and use local resources. This was very encouraging since there are many people here who have incredible knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices and we must respect the local wisdom, I have hopes that there will be some chances for collaboration between Caritas and folks in Ames.

When we got back I faced another whirlwind. There was a diocesan workshop from Monday noon to Wednesday noon on political formation and Catholic Social Teaching. The Honduras national office of CARITAS was going to lead the part on political formation, but we had to plan the part on Catholic Social Teaching. Father Efraín and I planned it – but only while we were in the US. (I have a really hard time with all the last minute planning that happens here.)

I ended up having to do the parts on the biblical foundations of Catholic Social Teaching and on recent church teachings. So I spent all Sunday working on this!

The workshop went well, though not as many came as were expected. (There was a breakdown in communication to the priests and the social ministry in the diocese.) One of the highlights for me was the Tuesday evening session where the participants did dramatizations of parts of the scriptures. Some were hilarious. I especially enjoyed a very creative interpretation of James 2, 1-5, which was a biting commentary on the situation here. The reenacted the reception that the poor often receive from politicians when they ask for help with projects, even though there is money set aside for this. The people from the village of Las Niguas (“the fleas”) couldn’t get through to the mayor but when a rich landowner (maybe even a drug dealer) showed up with his armed bodyguards, the mayor received him with open arms, giving him coffee and presents. When the poor finally got in to see him he treated them like dirt. Quite a compelling commentary on James 2,1: “Show no partiality.”

Needless to say I need a little rest, which I might get this weekend.

But the good news is that I should be moving into a new house today or tomorrow. It's about $75 more a month, but it's more secure and in much better shape than the house I now live in.