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:
January 2003
DEAR FRIENDS AND BENEFACTORS - What joy and happiness you gave to
our children. On Christmas Day, I visited the various houses distributing gifts to each
of our little ones. In all honesty, I have never seen such beautiful little children
jumping and yelling, Oh, oh, look at my new dress, My shoes are just what I
wanted. Oh, thank you dear friends for this wonderful jacket! I could go on and
on. What an experience it was for me! All of the anxiety and work that went into
this operation was well worth it. Out of some 240 gifts on this day, including our
elderly, there were only 6 or 7 mistakes in sizes. All received a complete outfit of
clothing. It is always a great thrill for me when Petra and Ramiro, who are blind, ask
me about the color of their gifts. The amazing thing is, they never forget them. On
Christmas Day we gave out the gifts of clothing. The toys were given out on the day
of the Three Kings. That is one of the holidays that we celebrate here in Mexico.
On this day, we give the kids lots of goodies, cakes, candy and inexpensive toys. The
toys cost a fortune and last but only a few days before they are broken or fought over.
Through my experience, I know that educative games and a few new family movies
are much more valuable. In closing, all of the children are well aware that our dear
friends in the U.S. are so wonderful for sharing with them. Each Christmas, for many
of them, it is the first time they are really filled with so much joy and love. We all
thank you so very much!
MORE ON CHRISTMAS The Christmas Eve Mass is always unforgettable. The
chapel, glowing from the lights of the Nativity Scene, was beautifully adorned with
the crib behind the altar. It was very impressive. If I had to make a choice between
celebrating the Christmas Eve Mass in a great cathedral or our poor, little, humble
chapel hidden in the countryside of Mexico, without a single doubt it would be here.
Many, many people have expressed the same thought. This night we also had 5
baptisms of young adults. Then, on the following Christmas Day, we had 33 children
and young adults receive their First Communion. Getting back to the Eve of
Christmas, we also had our traditional dinner. One of our dear friends sent 125
roasted chickens and another group of friends sent cakes, chocolate milk and candies.
All of this in a semi-darkened, beautifully refurbished dining hail by our friends
from Colorado. This night is always a most memorable night. The presence of God
is so heart warming and energizing. How good and lovable He is!
MESSAGE FROM FR, JOHN I send to all of you my love and greetings. You
and your families are remembered each day in my Holy Mass. During this Holy
Season, I am feeling somewhat better and I seem to be improving little by little. I
have lost about 40 lbs. and my strength does not give me the ability to walk, as of yet.
I am very blessed to have such wonderful care and love by all those here in our
nursing home of Santa Maria. There are 29 residents here and I am in much better
shape than the rest of them. For this, I thank God and I am very thankful for all of
you and your prayers.
VANESSA VAN HORN (VOLUNTEER) Vanessa, a very wonderful, special,
and spirit-filled young lady, left to go to Nuevo Laredo for 2 months to help in a
Parish clinic there. She spent four months here.
COLORADO - WORK VOLUNTEER - Steve and Angelica Perea of La Jara,
Colorado spent a week here in January. We really kept them busy. Steve is a
carpenter and Angelica is a teacher. A tremendous help for the school and repair
projects.
VOLUNTEER FROM TORONTO Although she could only stay with us for
three weeks, Cheryl Hosein, brought her love and laughter to share with the children
of Santa Maria. She spent her days with the little girls doing art projects and such.
Her beautiful smile will be missed by all.
NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL EMERGENCY REPAIR PROJECT - One thing
that we were well aware of, but just trying to delay as long as possible, was putting
on a new roof in the secondary school (600 sq. yds.). The delay was economic as
usual. Just recently I sent a couple of our workers for a closer inspection. The report
was frightening! It could fall at any time! Immediately we closed it down.
Estimates and bids were made and we started improving the classrooms. The roof
alone did cost about $40,000 U.S. Now to catch our breath and decide about the
restrooms, labs and offices. By the way, the asbestos was at least 60 years old. Some
22 years ago, I experienced something very horrible along with 10 boys. We were
playing a game in the corridor of Santa Maria when the dinner bell rang. We all then
went into the dinning room to eat. While we were gone, about 10 tons of the 2nd floor
roof fell right upon the game where we were playing five minutes prior. Can you
believe that? And still, after those 22 years, the Good Lord continues frequently with
his little miracles or tokens of love. WOW! My personal life is filled with such
signs.
SANTA MARIA BRIEFS This program is truly a circus. I have no doubt about it.
Young men and girls continue to arrive, almost 2 per week. All of them have serious
problems. No one else wants them so this is their last resort. I turn down very few.
The suffering that goes along with this is worth the good results. Indeed the Lord
works so wonderfully in them.
One of my dear, beloved friends just recently passed away. Filaberta was 88 years
old, crippled and totally deaf. She would sing during the entire Mass. Not too
loudly, so I just let her sing. She prayed at least 3 rosaries a day for me. Not to bad
for a person like myself who can really use them.
Just in passing, I have another little something going for me. Each Tuesday we have
this dinner, Mass, confession, and giving out a sack of groceries to the poor. Part of
this is the confessions. I have an average of 15-30 each week. My little reward is
that 90% of the time, I give them a penance to say the rosary for me. I do this with
the children also. Never a complaint, With joy Padre, they usually answer.
IN CLOSING I wish once again to thank each and everyone of you for your love
and sharing with our family of unwanted children, the most wonderful on this side
of heaven. God Bless You!