Santa Maria del Mexicano de Colon, QRO. I.A.P.

APDO. Postal No. 13, C.P. 76270

Colon, Queretaro, Mexico

To dial phone direct from U.S. 011 52 429 20245

Direct FAX from U.S. 011 52 429 20046

Mexico: LADA (91-429) 20248

FEBRUARY-MARCH 1997

DEAR FRIENDS AND BENEFACTORS

A SHARED THOUGHT

Pope John Paul II in his many exhortations in the past years has pleaded with the youth of today to search within themselves and to develop traits of great heroism. In our contemporary society we must look hard to find solid heroes who sincerely motivate our youth to follow in the steps of Jesus Christ. The youth of today need desperately these guides who have personally experienced the living Christ within us. Every creature of God is looking for love, human as well as divine. It is only Christ who can give us this vital experience and if one is in search of only the purely human love, he/she will never realize the true essence of love which is only found in Christ.

This search is a profound one and one must be in control of all the distractions that the world is constantly thrown out to us. Sex, drugs, alcohol, fame and material creation. These never satisfy any individual. The day that we discover that Jesus loves us, that he is searching us out continually and when we accept him as our friend and our final destiny will be a day when one can truly say: "Now I am truly alive, now I am truly complete, for now I live in Jesus and he truly lives in me-" As Fr. Brennen Manining said; "We all want to see Christ, but how many of us really want to pay the price of this in infinite goodness and love?" A very important question, 'Indeed. And what is more: Credit Cards are not acceptable. Sorry about that!

OUR EASTER CELEBRATION

Each year it seems that this glorious feast of Our Lord's resurrection has a greater impact on everyone here in Santa Maria. Holy Thursday is filled with wonderment and faith. Good Friday as we participated in the Way of the Cross dramatized by a group of some 40 participants with a representative of Christ carrying the Cross, (no blood, hard whippings, nor real nails) and finally crying out: "It is Completed". This was most moving and causes one to seriously reflect. on what really happened some 2000 years ago. The Easter vigil, with the brilliant "New Fire" and the Easter Candle being lighted and with some 400 children and adults marching in the candle light procession illuminating the darkness as Christ is symbolized as the Light of the World is something very special to all who were present. Christ is risen and lives among us, guiding us through life to the day when we will share with Him the victory which He won over death and sin.

Holy Week touches both heart and, mind in a most dramatic manner. It surely touched my heart

CONSTRUCTION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AND RECONSTRUCTION OF 100 YEAR OLD BUILDING

We have great hopes that we will have another home for the many children that keep coming our way. Unfortunately we have to turn many away simply because of lack of staff and a space to house them. We are building our primary school and this 100 year old building could be a tremendous asset for additional children living in desperation. Bt doing the work ourselves we will be able to keep the cost under $100,000. If you happen to know of the whereabouts of a undiscovered gold mine, please let me know and we will be off and looking for it immediately.

A VISIT FROM OUR COLORADO FRIENDS

On February 26^th a group from the San Luis Valley in Colorado consisting of LeRoy Salazar, Karla Shriver, Doug Shriver, Rick Ellithorpe, Jack Kuntz and Fred Velasquez arrived and did a tremendous amount of work in remodeling the dormitory in the Boy's Home. They not only put in a beautiful false ceiling, competed the installation, showers, bathrooms and electrical work, but even paid for all of the materials used. This donation came from themselves personally but also through the Rotary Clubs of the San Luis Valley, The National Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Queretaro. You can't imagine the gratitude of the 50 boys for this tremendous accomplishment. What a wonderful spirit of sharing was shown in this vitally important project for the children. Our sincere thanks to all of them. Over and above this they provided funds for the purchasing of over 200 books for our school. May God bless each and everyone of them.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS

In the republic of Mexico there are three very important churches where countless pilgrimages are continually visited by hundreds and thousands of people. The most important shrine on our continent is the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This great edifice dedicated to the Patroness of Mexico received thousands of peoples each week The second of importance in the state of Guanajuato named St. John of the Lakes and the third most popular is here in our own village. It is estimated that some 800,000 -- 1,000,000 pilgrims visit this temple during the week proceeding Holy Week- Our Community also takes part in walking in from Santa Maria, some seven miles away, praying and singing as is the custom. At the Bishop's Mass at 12:00 noon it is almost utter chaos. Several thousands of people, standing shoulder to shoulder. Yet it is a celebration of great joy and happiness. After this Mass, I bring all the children into the sanctuary and around the altar for our special Mass which the children sing. The entire Congregation of hundreds and hundreds were very impressed

MANY EX-ALUMNI RETURN TO VISIT:

During the Easter vacation it is always a joy to see so manyof our ex-alumni return to visit Santa Maria. Everyone that came this year, and there were so many, are doing very well. We have many teachers, engineers, a dentist, Certified Public Accountants, policemen, countless secretaries, owners of their proper businesses, carpenters, mechanics, some working in government jobs, some have buses and transportation vehicles, priests, religious, etc. etc. They always mention their sincere gratitude for the opportunity that was given to them in Santa Maria. And they all remind me that it is thanks to the benefactors Who made all of this possible. So, in the name of the hundreds whom you have been such a big part of their success thank you, thank you again and God Bless you. They remember you in their prayers.

THE SPIRIT OF GOD ENABLES A CHILD OF GOD TO SMILE, TO HOPE AND TO JUMP FOR JOY!

Twenty three boys and one girl made their first communion on Easter Sunday. Three children were baptized Holy Saturday during the Vigil.

Love from the Sisters, Staff, Children and Elderly. I remain ever grateful.

Fr. Cliff A. Norman