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

DEAR FRIENDS AND BENEFACTORS:

APRIL/MAY 2001

A SHARED THOUGHT

In the last few months I have had the opportunity to talk to many wonderful Christian people, but also really confused people about so many things which they daily encounter. Many have the same daily difficulties such as their children, health, deaths in their families, job security, debts, depression, loneliness, lack of meaningful love ETC, ETC. I have also noticed one very common mystery and strong doubt among all these good people: GOD! GOD seems to be the real problem for so many of them. As a result of their confusion many have ignored God. Yet most of them say an occasional prayer and go to Church a good deal of the time. Their going is more out of habit, than to look for and find God as a solution.

The most popular subconscious question they have is: WHY IS THERE SO MUCH EVIL EVER PRESENT IN THE WORLD TODAY? EVEN MORE PERSONALLY IS: WHAT ABOUT THE EVIL I FEEL IN MY SELF? All of us are aware of these evils: drugs, sex whenever and however, wars, earthquakes, floods, droughts, lack of credibility and horrible accidents destroying innocent lives. YES THERE ARE COUNTLESS TRAGEDIES. A great distortion comes into play in the search to answer the question of evil in the world. We must put the blame on someone and so to whom to we go? Right again! On that impersonal and cruel GOD.

This is why we are so fouled up and consequently confused. Normally when I have a problem I go to the Power who can help me. I do not stand back and curse the darkness. For instance, when I go into a dark room I turn on the Power switch and there is the Power of light. Where do I go for Power to meet confusion and doubt? Do I go to my children to find a solution? BY NO MEANS. I go to GOD, THE POWER AND SOLUTION IS ALWAYS THERE. Yes, yes we might have to wait, maybe it is because we don't know how to pray or maybe the person asking deserves what is being meted out because of his or her miserable and godless lifestyle. We may be saying: "GET OUT OF MY FACE GOD, YOU DO YOUR THING AND I'LL DO MINE. GOD, JUST LEAVE YOUR NUMBER AND I'LL CALL YOU WHEN AND IF I NEED YOU."

POWER SOLUTION? Really its quite simple. First: Get rid of all that junk that you have in your mind. Second: RELAX, you don't need a quick POWER FIX of whatever you think you do. Third: TURN TO THE GOOD, LOVING, COMPASSIONATE GOD AND TALK THINGS OVER. Fourth: Remember, you have to make a covenant or contract with God. In other words, though these four steps you sincerely agree to do something positive to please HIM and HE will agree to do the same for you. You call that praising God! You love Him and you prove your love in the POWER of a good Christian life. God just says: "Right on! Come on home where you belong. I've been sending messages to you and you finally woke up. I sure love you a lot. Thanks from God your ever faithful and loving Father."

FAST TRIP TO COLORADO: Things are getting a little tight economically speaking that is here in Santa Maria. Aware of our needs our newly formed foundation Hope for Children had a fund raiser here in Denver. Governor Bill Owens and Attorney General Ken Salazar were present giving us their influential and caring support. From Denver I went to La Jara Colorado, where I had been pastor some 25 years ago. I attended a wonderful event the 25th wedding anniversary of Leroy and Michele Salazar. Leroy and Michele requested that all gifts be donated to our Colorado Hope for Children Foundation. This foundation was initiated by John McClure, Leroy Salazar, Jim Mannelly and a host of other dear and long term friends of Santa Maria. What a beautiful evening it was! The Salazar family is so much a part of Santa Maria. Almost 500 people also attended this event. A great honor for me to be present at this memorable event.

FUTURE PROJECT With continual growth our small basement chapel has run out of space. At times some of the children are, it seems, hanging from the ceiling. Though it is not my mission here in Mexico to spend money on church buildings, a simple adequate worship space is where the children experience the loving POWER of God.! MY MISSION IN MEXICO IS TO HOUSE, CLOTHE, FEED, EDUCATE AND PREPARE FOR A GRACED FUTURE: DEFENSELESS, ABANDONED, ABUSED, HOMELESS AND DEFIANT CHILDREN. included in our attempt to care for our 280 little ones is a nursing home where we care for 23 senior citizens and a few handicapped. The poor are always with us in our wider community. Each Tuesday we have a special day for the poor which includes Mass, opportunity for confession and a very appetizing dinner. We give to the poor gifts of 5 lbs of beans, 5 lbs of rice, a jar of oil and whatever else might be available. On this day for the poor, we serve 1200 appreciative people. These are our neighbors both in Santa Maria and Colon. Many have traveled on foot or by bus some 15-25 miles. Sister Maria Teresa says: "We can't afford this great expense. We should reconsider it." I simply reply: If we say no to the poor and needy, we saying so to Jesus and I don't want to be guilty of that. What we are doing dear Sister, is simply returning gifts given us by Him, back to Him.. To me that is justice and love."

Back to the needed chapel. We build lasting, well built structures as cheaply as possible and acceptable to God. We will all gather there to praise Him for providing us with our dally needs. Prefabricated laminated steel will be the material used. Simple but beautiful! Please pray for our chapel, our need. Our goal is to have the chapel finished by CHRISTMAS.

SANTA MARIA BRIEFS- While in Colorado I took a few days off for a retreat with the Lord. Did my old body wonders. Many people told me I looked great. Now, I don't know how exactly how to take that. Are they saying I look much better than a dead person? Its hard to say ............

MRS. JAMES MANNELLY lovingly known as "CISSY" has promised a donation for the proposed new chapel of a statue of St. Philomena. St. Philomena is our beloved patroness who has given us much help and care for our children over these 25 years. WE ARE INDEED OFF TO A GOOD START!

GRADUATION- July 7 will once again be a joyful and happy day for our 36 boys and girls who will be moving on to higher education. All of you will be sharing in this day of great satisfaction.

TEACHERS AND VOLUNTEERS- As usual we are on the short end of obtaining good teachers and volunteers dedicated to commit themselves to our very special children. Please, if you would happen to know of anyone who has the missionary spirit. Please put them in contact with me immediately. I invite you to adopt a teacher for the school year at $450.00 dollars per month. This is also an area of our desperate need paying for so many teachers. A SACK OF BEANS LASTS BUT A SHORT TIME, BUT AN EDUCATED PERSON CAN MAKE A TREMENDOUS GIFT FOR A LIFETIME.

SO MY DEAR FRIEND, ONCE AGAIN WE ALL LOVE YOU DEARLY. YOU ARE OUR FAMILY. SINCERE THANKS AND HUGS FROM ALL! Staff, children, elderly, Sisters, Sr. Maria Teresa, Fr. John and Fr. Cliff -