TEL. 2-2-48 LADA (91-429)
APDO. POSTAL No.337 QUERETARO QO. Z.P. 76000
Fax (91-429) 2-00-46
To dial phone direct from U.S. 011 52 429 20245
DEAR FRIENDS AND BENEFACTORS: June - July, 1996
Santa Maria On National Television - Many people have been curious about our program and the American priest who came to Mexico some 20 years ago to attempt living a more realistic
meaning of the invitation of the Lord Jesus in helping His little ones: the orphaned, abandoned,
poor, outcast, homeless and the lost. We were asked by the most popular television channel out
of Mexico City if they could visit and film our homes. This program was recently shown on
prime time Saturday night at 5:30. Millions viewed the program and the "fame" of Santa Maria
increased notably. When I agreed to this project I was aware that it would reveal to the general
public that the Church is truly interested in caring for and serving the needs of hundreds of
children who have come to us and have passed through our doors. Children who have arrived in
a miserable and destitute condition and leaving filled with a knowledge and love of God and a
hope for the future. Too often the general public sees the Church as a witness of negativism. The
"don'ts"of our faith should never exceed the "do's."The Faith that Christ handed down to us is
one of service, serving Him in our children and those in need who helplessly cannot defend
themselves because of any number of valid circumstances that he/she has unfortunately been
given at birth or shortly afterwards. The message came through fairly well I think on the
program that God does care and that there are a group of loving religious and lay people who are
more than willing to sacrifice their lives for the poor and helpless children and elderly here in
our four homes. The second reason was to receive some little help to maintain our program that
is costing us approximately $600 U.S. per day to feed, cloth, educated, etc. our some 250-300
bodies and souls. The financial results were minimal, perhaps $1200.This I had expected. Used
clothes were sent, some school materials, lots of comments such as "nice job you're doing" but
fame and plaudits are hard to serve to the children who have voracious appetites. These
intangibles don't fill the stomachs. The most distressing result of this program turned out just
exactly as I had predicted: countless phone calls from all over the Republic of Mexico asking us
to receive more children.We are doing our best not to reject any in real need, but the task is
frustrating and sad.We are committed to servethose who are in desperate need.I know that we
will successfully do this because of you who areglued by faith and confidence to us and refuse to
see your extended family fail in our quest to bring justice and dignity to those that the Lord sends
to us. This program will continue because of yourlove and dedication.Blessed are you who love
and share with those who cry out, "help me please, Ican't survive without you."Your love is their
only hope.
A BLESSING IN SERVICE- Serving for the summer I, Deacon Dale Craig of the Society of
Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, have had a blessed and joyful experience with the children
and elderly. Living with thern, serving them, teaching, talking to, working playing and praying
with and for them, in a word... loving them..., has touched me and many others who have visited
us here. The goodness and peace that these children express can only be attributed to the grace
of God working in their souls. Recently two little twin girls came to us, only four years old and
cute as can be.One would have thought that they would have been scared and lonely but with all
the loving attention they receive from the Sisters and other children they are continually joyful
and laughing. Truly, the children mutually heal one another's sorrows and through this they are
growing into responsible young adults. Tereso, a youth here in Santa Maria, came up to me the
other evening while I was on my way to the chapel and asked if he could pray with me. With joy
we went and prayed the rosary together. There is real greatness in these children and in serving
them the blessings have been abundant.
ANOTHER NEW SCHOOL YEAR - OFF AND RUNNING- Vacation time does not exist
here in our program. As soon as the school year finishes we start immediately planning and.
beginning our summer school for all the elementary students. Thus far we are at capacity as
usual and children are arriving almost daily. In the U.S. the government is cutting back on most
social programs; here in Mexico there is no welfare, no homes for the elderly to speak of and
Senior Citizens who have worked 30-50 years might receive a pension fund of $50-$75 per
month. Those who have no house and have rent to pay are begging on the streets for survival.
Programs for children are very rare and if existent they are always underfunded and poorly
managed. This need is crucial and we expect our numbers to exceed 275 children and 25adults.
We intend to do our best to help meet the needs of the many who through no fault of their own
are being deprived of their human dignity and rights. Justice is a word seldom mentioned by
politicians, unfortunately. Our school and program is attempting to reach out and offer them our
"Hand of Help." Education is an absolute necessity if justice is to triumph.
SOCIETY OF OUR LADY- The Society of Our Lady of The Most Trinity, whose headquarters
is located in Robstown, Texas continues to give their wonderful support to our program. One of
their members, Sister Maria Esperanza, will be exchanging assignments shortly. Sister
Esperanza will bereturning to Guatemala and Sister Reina will be coming here Sister Esperanza
has been outstanding and will be sadly missed by everyone in the community. With her goes our
prayers and sincere gratitude for her spirit of love and caring for everyone. - - Bill and Anne
Ryan, lay members of the Society remain as staunch and tireless members of Santa Maria.
Without them we would be on our knees begging the Lord for mercy. They are a marvelous
example of Christian love and service and a real blessing for all of us.
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT - Not mine! I have nothing material to leave except a car
that my brother Ted gave me to assure me a bit of safety after he visited Mexico last year - Bill
Hellman of Delta Colorado also helped out a great deal. After my demise, the car will
automatically be turned over to Sister Maria Teresa Pacheco. A few of our friends have asked
about leaving something to our program after they are called by the Lord. I am a bit partial, but
I cannot think of a better program to leave a part of what you can't take with you, to us. This
will assure us that the program will continue after our deaths. Prayers and blessings will be yours
and all of us will have a real feast together in heaven. A desperate child will be most grateful for
vour gift.
CUR SINCERE LOVE AND PRAYERS,
CHILDREN, STAFF AND FATHER NORMAN,
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