April 2000

John Santone (a deacon in the Eastern Province) took a group of young adults from Holy Cross Parish in South Easton, MA to La Luz Parish in Cd. Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon.  Some of their comments listed in the Eastern Province bulletin:

"Every part of the trip to Mexico was exciting and different.  The main thing that I would like to pass onto you is that poverty is a real problem.  I have seen some of the poorest people, but they overcome their problems and are still happy.  Family and friendship are valued more than material items." - - John Annand

"In the course of five days we had the opportunity to meet the men, women and children of La Luz parish.  We lived with, learned from, and witnessed the ministry the priests and sisters of the Congregation of holy Cross are doing among the poor, living in an area of Monterrey called Guadalupe.  Our activities ranged from visiting religious education classes, taking a parish census in the community of squatters living by the river, and socializing with the youth of the parish.  We learned what it meant to be poor, and we witnessed some of the injustices women face in a male dominated culture.  Our time was spent exploring the dynamics of family life, the Catholic faith, and the history of Mexico.  It was inspiring, humbling, and in many ways a sad experience." - - 
John Santone

John Korcsmar drove down to Monterrey and spent a few days catching up on rest and paperwork.  He did assist at two Masses with anointing of the sick.  At Santa Cruz, Pepe Tomei was  the main celebrant.  After Mass John noted how the community is flourishing in Las Sabinas (the local neighborhood).  There are more people, more houses, more leaders and lay ministers--everything is growing except the top of Pepe's head!  There are more pictures from San Matias and Santa Cruz at www.CSC-Mexico.org.

Len Collins took John to the new Soriana.  The store sells everything!  There were two things noticeable:
1.) They have a huge section of baby clothing--the population is growing!! 
and 2.) The holiness from Pepe's blessing was still evident.

The professed seminarians are in their new house.  They are all doing well and studying hard.  Marin Hernandez Campos is finishing his first year of theology.  He will be in Austin working on his English this summer; the seminary now requires fluency in either English or French.  Paulino Antonio Ines (middle) is finishing his work at the prepa and will be starting philosophy in August.  Ruben Coronado Andrade (left) is finishing his year of humanities and will also be starting philosophy in August.