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:

FEB./MARCH 2001

A SHARED THOUGHT

Show me, Lord, your way so that I may walk in your truth. Guide my heart to fear your name. I will praise you Lord my God, with all my heart for your love to me has been great. You have saved me from the depth of the grave.

Psalm 86

Most of us are ordinary people attempting to work out our earthly life in a Christian way. We work hard at loving God and our neighbor and still there remain many faults and failings. Perfection is such a frustrating goal, that to me it is like trying to climb a mile high, well-greased flagpole, yet we must never give up. That is the great challenge of life, which is the price of eternal happiness. Never to give up! To be able to do this, one must be motivated. There are a few out there that have had mystical experiences. The rest of us must take advantage of God's daily mercy, His infinite goodness and His personal love for each and every one of us. This should touch everyone who believes in Jesus Christ, who as God became man and suffered like no other man had ever suffered nor could, even suffer. In my own personal life I can testify to so many occasions in which God intervened in my life to save me from a great disaster, or to send me help when I was in desperation and the many times He protected my life. I have lived here in Mexico for some 25 years. The lifestyle and culture are radically different from in the U.S. or any other first world country. Medical studies reveal that 88% of the Mexican population that has had a massive heart attack dies. Thus far I have had five massive attacks, also an implantation of a mitral valve and also a sophisticated computerized pacemaker, (not to mention five other minor attacks). These experiences have been little crosses and ways of the Lord telling me that He loves me and that I had better shape up a bit more (that greased flagpole still gives me the quivers) but that which really grabs my imagination and boggles my poor mind is His creation around us. The millions and millions of planets orbiting in perfect order, no two blades of grass are identical, no two identical grains of sand, nor two identical finger prints, etc., etc., etc. This very same Creator, with no beginning, total perfection in His entire Being, only a person with a completely closed mind could say that God does not exist. Again I repeat: He loves each and every one of us with an incomprehensible and perfect love. It was either Leon Bloy or Graham Green who said: "The very worst thing than can happen to a person is that he did not become a saint. ," Never give up, never, never. Don't go with the odds of the world. Just open your heart and surrender yourself to the Lord. Then watch out!! Happiness, contentment, joy, peace and love. That was His promise!

SANTA MARIA BRIEFS

Our dear Sisters continue to keep the program from exploding. There is never a dull day with our some 280 children and 23 senior citizens making their demands on the entire staff, day and night.... A very fine young man Andre Gulmesodf, a volunteer for some eight months returned home recently to California. He was greatly loved by the children and elderly. He left many of our little ones with tears in their eyes. He will be missed.... Rick and Shirley Jones and son Daniel are doing great things for the program. Rick is on the move constantly attempting to keep Santa Maria and San Jose organized. A monumental job is underestimating the task of everything that involves 180 children and young adults. Yet things are looking great (most of the time, that is) Shirley loves teaching English and all the young adults love her.....Ana Farina continues loving and serving others, especially her students in Natural Science..... Daniel and Wilma Ramirez, from Grand Junction, Colorado, were an answer to our desperate prayers. Danny is constructor and first class electrician. Between Daniel and Rick they have saved us thousands of dollars in improvement and modifications. Wilma is a nurse and that means a full time, job around here, taking care of the children and elderly.....Leonard Villasenor, from San Antonio, Texas, continues teaching sixth grade, which is one of our most "lively" groups. Leonard is working on the details of sending one of our boys to San Antonio on a full scholarship to learn English.....Kurt Carey, the superintendent of schools in the La Jara, Colorado County district, at this time has one of our girls staying with his family and attending school with the intention of perfecting her English. Kurt just called the other night to inform me that Yuriana Ramirez is doing great ... ... Jim and Cissy Mannelly of Durango, Colorado, spent a week with us in February. What a joy it is having them around. The children really love them. These Texas and Colorado "connections" are really involved with Santa Maria, physically, intellectually and materially ... Am saving the best for the last. Father John Henley has a tremendous source of strength, love and good will in serving others. His health is not 100% but he is really a great warrior. Never will he give up. Everyday he is caring for our elderly. Indeed a great priest. I would bet anyone that this priest will not die in his sleep.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

One big concern that I have is the continuation of our Program. I have been told that I will not live forever. That one day I will die. That got me trembling. So if any of you wonderful people would like to remember our 280 children and 23 elderly, please add our following legal name to your Will and you will be remembered daily in our prayers and masses. Thank you.

HAND OF HELP

SOCIETY OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

PO BOX 1406

ROBSTOWN, TEXAS 78380 (Tel. 361-387-2754)

Thank you all so very much for your friendship, love and spirit of sacrifice. It is a tremendous blessing for all of us. Daily you and your entire family, needs and intentions are in our mass and prayers.

MANY SINCERE THANKS FROM ALL THE CHILDREN, STAFF, SISTERS, FR. JOHN, AND FR. CLIFF NORMAN