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:
December 2002
A CHRISTMAS THOUGHT:
Once again we are in the midst of, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Here in Santa Maria it is always very special with our children. This tremendous event is centered on life and love. Jesus so loved us that he was born to be a victim for us , and by his death we have the opportunity to receive eternal life. I have been so blessed by the gifts of his life in me and the hundreds who have passed through the doors of Santa Maria and who have been part of our family. I have been touched by the Good Lord to share in the spiritual reality of Fatherhood with so many of our wonderful children and elderly. Here is one of many examples that really motivates one. Just recently, a young 12-year-old girl appeared at our office. Her story was common; abandoned by mother and father, shifting from grandmother to uncles and different family members, etc... I asked her, "So, what do you want me to do?" She replied, "Why don't you adopt me and be my father?" I told her, "I just might do that! Another one, that would make and even 15." What I am attempting to do is to buy a piece of property for each one of these 15 who have no one in this world so that when the Lord says to me, "Come on home" they will have some security for their future.
All of this causes a tear or more, lots of stress and responsibility. I have felt brokeness many times and frustration in not being able to do more. Also, that "dark night of the soul" which St. Teresa of Avila mentions. Yet on the other side the Lord has given me much spiritual joy and energy. Satisfaction? No! I do not even feel that. So much more must be done in this cruel world which kills so many millions of babies each year; abandoning them to a life of prostitution, drug addiction and many other vices. During this season of life and love, all of these minor things just disappear. Joy and happiness reign. Thank you so very much for making all of these wonderful happenings possible. Much love, a hug so tight and a prayer on our lips for each and every one of you. A blessed Christmas to all of you!!
I think you hear a little too much from me so in this newsletter I wanted the children to open their hearts to you and tell their own histories. Father Cliff Antonio Norman
Hello and Christmas greetings to all of you. My name is Martin Aranda. I am 16 years old, and twelve of those years I have spent in Santa Maria through the generosity of Father Norman and all of you. My father is a drunk and if I were not here receiving a good education and formation, I probably would be a hopeless case on the streets. Thank you for making this life possible for me.
Dear Friends, I hope this message finds you happy and joyful! My name is Francisco Mario Guiterrez. I am the third of three brothers who have been here in Santa Maria. My other two brothers have graduated and are now working in good jobs. This is my 14th year here and I am taking advantage of this great opportunity to prepare myself for the future. I pray that one day you might come visit this wonderful program. We will be waiting for you with open arms. Love and many, many thanks!
Hello to all of you. My name is Mayra Juerez and I am tem years old. My life has been a very
difficult one and I still have horrible dreams. My mother had to leave home to go to work in
another state far away. She left my brother and me with our stepfather who is not a good man.
One day he sent my brother out of the house and then he played with me and violated me. When
my mother returned, I told her and she called me a liar. One day my real father visited me and I
told him and he had my stepfather put in prison. My father can't take care of me so my mother
talked to Father Norman and I am so thankful he accepted me. Now I am loved and protected.
Thank you dear God and all of you for giving me the hope and joy I now have.
Dear Friends, I am 14 years old and I am writing this note to thank you for being so loving and
kind. I am really looking forward to this Christmas because I never have had a happy one before.
My mother is very poor and sho couldn't afford to buy food for myself, my tow sisters and my
brother. Once in a while my mother comes here to visit us. My dad came only twice. Mommy
and Daddy are always fighting. Thank you for making it possible for Father Antonio to care and
love so very, very many of us. I will ask Jesus to bless you and your family. Dulce Rosario
Jimenez, 11 year old.
Hello to all of you. My name is Carlos Pollo. I have been here with Father Antonio for just about eight years. I am now 12 years old along with my older brother Jonathon and Ulises. My brother Ulises is spending two years studying in San Antonio, Texas. Father sent him there to help him prepare for a better future. Our mother brought us here and more or less abandoned us to Father. We are all doing very well and we are so very happy because of the love, protection, education and formation in our faith. Thank you so very much. I will be praying for you during this Holy Season.
Dear Friends, My name is Darali Gonzalez and I am 12 years old. I have been here in Santa Maria for 3 years now. My mother is very poor and could not care for her children so we came here to Santa Maria. I used to be so sad at times along with another girl named Carolina. We were both crossed-eyed and sometimes the other children (other than those of our own home) would make fun of us and our crossed-eyes. One day Father Antonio asked why I was crying and I told him about Carolina and myself. I told him how the other kids would make fun of us. At that time Father didn't have enough money for the eye operations but as soon as he received enough, he said he'd get our eyes fixed. Father said he'd make us both the prettiest girls in the whole school. It wasn't long before we both had our eye operation. Now, we are so happy and we feel more normal. Every time Father sees us he calls us his Pretty Little Dolls. Thank you so very, very much. We love you and pray for you every day.
FATHER JOHN SENDS HIS GREETINGS
These last two months have been purifying ones to say the least. My Esophagus had blocked up and I was unable to swallow food. Father Norman said, "Enough of this nonsense, we are going to take care of this today." What a day it was. We saw five doctors, blood tests, x-rays, etc ... At 9:00 pm. I was bedded down in one of the best hospitals in Queretaro. The next morning at 8:00 am I was operated on. I am now feeling 80% better and I am slowly regaining the 30 lbs. I had lost. I have been thinking and praying for you daily. A Happy and very joyful Christmas to all of you.
Love and prayer from all of us and many, many sincere thanks for your love and friendship. We love you dearly.