Dear Friends,
Sometimes it is said that Olancho is not much different from Texas. To point out the obvious similarities: both have lots of cows and cowboys; both are known for a certain agrarian grit and sometimes roughness in their young men; and, both are primarily Spanish speaking! So it is not surprising that this Yanqui, years removed from life in Massachusetts, feels especially at home in the State of Texas. Of course, the great hospitality of my hosts is the main reason why I so enjoy my yearly trip to St. Luke’s in Temple, Texas (that’s North of Austin). As I watch the great progress being made at the Nazareth School for Special Needs, I am constantly reminded of their generosity. All children at the Escuelita are sponsored by St. Luke’s parishioners; without them, what we do here would not be possible.
Elsewhere around Olancho Aid, on Thursday we welcomed the newest additions to our family of educators. Twelve spirited young people join 4 from last year and all 16 are set to begin teaching at the Santa Clara, both at the primary school and the new “Instituto” middle-school. Already, this group is showing itself to be gifted and full of promise. They hail from all parts of the United States– from California, to Wisconsin, to New Jersey, and places in between. I look forward to profiling these volunteers in a future post. They are individuals who have shown a true commitment to service by answering the cry of the poor.
Now, I’d like to share some recent photos with you:
Students from the Class “Social Doctrine of the Church” participated at the Mass and procession afterwards marking the murders of religious and lay leaders in 1975. It’s important not to forget the sacrifices people have made for their country. While remembering the martyrs, these students are also speaking out against continued acts of violence in our World. A very literal display of the words, “May God’s peace be with you.”
To raise money for these visits the students ran a marathon and here are seen collecting data and entrance fees from the participants. No, it wasn’t a full length 26.2 race like the Boston installment. It’s far too hot, here. And the traffic (cows) would get in the way.
Students made visits to a local jail where they installed some windows, electricity, tables and gave some classes on sewing to the inmates. Matthew’s Gospel speaks of visiting those in prison. We are all God’s children.
Here the students are seen multiplying the five loaves and two fish. Education is more than just learning about things, it is putting the things we learn in perspective. We are blessed at this campus with the incredible leadership of Carlos Moreno who directs the pastoral office and teaches this class. He has directed many leadership programs here in Honduras and elsewhere in Latin America. Both he and his wife are Good Shepherds who know their people and are the first to respond. Gracias, Carlos, por su trabajo.
Moving on, you will see photographs from my recent travels in the great state of Texas. God bless St. Luke’s for all that you have done for special needs in Olancho!
Meet Charles and Catherine Rabroker who two years ago took over the project from Nanette Whitten when she moved out West. They were so generous with their time and Charles spoke after each Mass urging the people to become Sponsors. What is really wonderful are voices asking about a trip to visit us in Honduras. Thank you Charles and Catherine for making Nazareth and special needs an important part of your life.
In the front of the Church is an imposing statue of The Physician, Lover of the Poor, and Advocate for Displaced Persons. Who cannot love Saint Luke’s Gospel?
This is the main entrance to the parish offices where the business managers, secretaries, priests and deacons, religious educations directors, music ministry, youth– well everyone has their office here. Looks a little like Blessed Sacrament in Jamaica Plain did, don’t you think?
I guess you know everyone here. Saint Luke’s is a wonderful church to preach in because it is designed like a fan and everyone is close to the altar and close to one another. Few exits after Communion to to the parking lot and Dunkin Donuts. Maybe that’s a Boston thing!
At Christmas, many sponsors send some extra money and we put it aside until school starts in February and bring the students to a clothing store which opens for us and gives them 2 hours to purchase items. They always buy practical items to wear. This display says, “If you give me opportunities, I’ll show you abilities” and pictures those who have been helped through the good-will of their sponsors.
There is much to learn from visiting other parts of the country. Not only do they not call the parish offices ” offices” – it is the Parish Pastoral Center, they also offer interment of ashes next to the Church. Isn’t this a lovely crypt and people can “visit the cemetery” every Sunday. Those who have traveled to the Vatican (or taken an art history course) will recognize this image as similar to Michaelangelo’s Pieta.
Recently the Parents Group from Holy Family Parish in Rockland, MA sent boxes of school uniforms. They are in the process of changing theirs. Here you see María Inez Osorio, the lay leader in the community, with her son Isaías preparing to bring the boxes to her community where they will be sorted and distributed. Thank you so much Holy Family for clothing our people with your love and linen.
The next two weeks should be very exciting around here. I look forward to updating you.
Peace,
Fr. D
Dear Friends,
Hello from the Lone Star State! This weekend I am at Saint Luke’s Parish in Temple Texas, the Austin Diocese. Today reads 102 degrees but normal for Texans in August. Everything is brown. Texas is the only state that has its own electrical grid (there are 3 I am told in the States – East of the Mississippi, West of it, and Texas). What this means is that there is plenty of electric power and everything is air conditioned–schools, factories and, yes, churches. I am getting ready to celebrate the 8:30 Saturday Mass. I suggested the priests take some time off and they have–not very often do they get a chance to get away. I will leave here on Monday for Juticalpa. I will have pictures in the next blog of this wonderful parish which for many years has supported the special needs school. Texas is a big state with a big heart. Which leads me to the subjects of this week’s installment…
Hondurans love to say “Bienvenida” but are reluctant to say “Adios”. Four years ago we welcomed Anne Cashore who came as a volunteer teacher and has spearheaded the growth of the Santa Clara: meeting an escalating enrollment, Annie introduced many educational programs for the teaching staff. Under her watch, the school has become well respected in the community. She has been an attentive listener and problem solver for teachers as well as parents. Annie has returned to Indiana–with her husband and young son–where she will be teaching. We don’t say goodbye because we know she has left a large part of her soul in Olancho and will be back many times to pick up parts of it. God’s Blessings, Annie, on this next stage of your journey.
Years ago at a graduation of Kinder, the children presented me with two parakeets. Well, like Abraham’s descendants, they have become a grand nation. Here I am with Annie listening to the birds’ sad song of farewell. Vaya con Dios y Muchas Gracias, Annie.
Recently we shared a cake and presented Annie with a plaque that cannot express the great work she has done in Christ’s Name for the people of Olancho. Here she is seen with Carlos Najera, the Director of the Foundation, Francisco Barahona from Human Resources, Peggy McQuaid who will be the Interim Director of the Santa Clara, and Ginny Rainwater who oversees the scholarship program.
Annie was so gracious to take the time to write a message for you, the followers of this blog. I’d like to share her words with you, below. They provide a window into the work of the Olancho Aid Foundation at the Santa Clara school:
After four years with Santa Clara, it is hard to say goodbye, but I know that the school will continue to move forward and continue to grow without me. So many people say, “It just won’t be the same without you!” and of course that feels great to hear because it means that I was loved and that my work was recognized and appreciated, but at the same time I think to myself, “Change can be good.” Transitions like these can bring about much-needed reflection, asking questions like “What are we doing to improve the education we offer? Who are we serving and are we truly doing what Christ has taught us to do?” In many ways, I believe this is an important year for Santa Clara and I am very excited about the changes in place. For example, this year will bring the largest team of long-term volunteers Olanch Aid has ever hosted. Their presence, energy, and enthusiasm for teaching, as well as their ability to share that enthusiasm with their students and Honduran counterparts is exciting. Similarly, this is the first year the new Scholarship Program will be in place. I am over-joyed to know that our dream of providing a quality education to all, regardless of their economic status, is now becoming reality at Santa Clara. Similarly, I am also excited about the changes in place for 7th and 8th grade, knowing that these students will now be in a different building with a new administration and more age-appropriate surroundings, I believe they will really flourish this year. So, though I will not be there in person to witness the positive changes taking place in Santa Clara this year, I am excited nonetheless to celebrate them with the Olancho Aid family from afar.
As for life in the U.S, I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue to grow as a professional educator. While in Honduras, professional development workshops, literature, and conferences were hard to come by if not impossible to find at times. But, now, I will be working in an environment that makes it very easy to continue to grow professionally. Similarly, I am hopeful for my family’s future, knowing that my husband will have the chance to study here in the U.S. and graduate with a U.S. university degree makes the opportunities seem endless.
I cannot say “Thank You” enough to the Olancho Aid Foundation for trusting me with the care of Santa Clara for the past few years. I came to Olancho as a one-year volunteer, but because Padre Ricardo recognized leadership qualities when I was quite blind to them, I was given the opportunity to not only watch Santa Clara transform, but to also witness personal transformation. I will never forget my four years in Juticalpa with Olancho Aid. They have given me insight and wisdom beyond what I ever dreamed possible. Thank you, Padre Ricardo, for the vision you have for education in Olancho and for sharing that vision with so many of us!
Now, a few more pictures. There are some families in the States who have adopted a family here. Frequently during the year, they send boxes with new clothing, books, school materials, and so forth. It’s a wonderful way to do something concrete for people.
These two are part of a much larger family that are connected to Barbara and Jim Proia’s family.
The other family has been helped by the Landry’s, Peter and Susan, from Saint John’s in Westport, Massachusetts.
Of concern everywhere is the sanctity and wholeness of the family. Divorce, immigration and violence are just some of the factors that contribute to the disintegration of the family. Here on the University campus, 25 couples who are either staff or teachers recently completed a 2 month course in addressing family issues.
Either through programs at the University or in the Christian Family Movement, they will share the richness of their experience with others. When the family is strong, than so is the society. I believe vice versa holds true, unfortunately.
The family is a transcendent theme throughout the Catholic Church. From the Holy Family, to the family of the faith community, to the families in our homes–we must treat each “holy” family in our lives with the necessary reverence.
I’d like to close with a quote from Dan Karbousky, who teaches Science, Math, and Geometry (maybe more, in the fall!) to Seventh and Eighth Grades at the Santa Clara. Dan had this to say:
When I went to school, I wanted to be around Annie. She was a role model educator. Every time I went to her to talk about ideas or for advice, I always left feeling validated and reassured.
I want you to see the great quality of people we have, here, at Olancho Aid. Truly, through the continued efforts of our teachers and administrators, there is hope through education for the children of Olancho. Again, our deepest thanks to Annie for making so much of this possible.
Running to Mass, now. May the Peace of Christ be with you.
Fr. D
Dear Friends,
Hello and welcome to our second installment of the Saturday blog. I hope to catch you in a quiet moment at the end of your busy week. Of course, we have been quite busy around here lately in Olancho. I’ve heard that most of you are still enduring the sweltering heat. Well, we don’t have much air-conditioning down here. But the rains come in the afternoons, generally, cooling and nourishing the land and washing everything anew. Though the rain also brings mosquitos and with them comes disease… But I digress!
I have some exciting news to announce in this installment. We have a new Directora General at the Santa Clara School. Our bilingual program, which now educates from pre-Kinder through eighth grades, will be in the capable hands of Peggy McQuaid. As many of you know, Annie Cashore will soon return to the United States after four years with us at the Santa Clara. Annie’s work as Director has been instrumental (an understatement) to Santa Clara’s success to this point, and you will receive an update on her in a forthcoming issue. But without further ado, my faithful followers in the blogosphere, allow me to introduce Peggy McQuaid to you.
Peggy first arrived in Juticalpa in January of 2009. Those of you familiar with college students these days know that a junior year semester abroad is quite popular. Well, quite tellingly, Peggy chose to take a semester off from school and volunteer abroad in Olancho (the scholar that she is, she had secured enough credits to allow this. She certainly was not on the always popular six-year college track!). Then, after working in Santa Clara for four months, she returned to the States. But her involvement hardly stopped, then. Peggy became volunteer coordinator and selected all of the volunteers for the 2009-2010 school year. As you saw in the last installment of this blog, this was a winning group. So, not only is Peggy talented herself, she can also identify talent in others. Sounds like a winning formula for any administrator to me! But what do I know?
Here we see Peggy and Ginny Rainwater, chair of the new scholarship program, at work in the Olancho Aid Foundation office. Ginny seems to have spotted something terribly funny on her computer screen.
Peggy is originally from Cumberland, Rhode Island and is a graduate of Connecticut College with a degree in American Studies and with her teaching certification. Much like your writer, she fled New England for Juticalpa–we must both be crazy, who would do such a thing? But enough of my rambling. Our journalistic team, here, asked Peggy some questions. She says it better than I could:
On a support system for financially disadvantaged scholarship students at Santa Clara:
PM: Giving scholarship students adequate support is one of my top priorities. I will inform each teacher of their students’ unique background and point out potential supports they may need, such as tutoring or home visits. We are hopefully going to have a religious sister working at Santa Clara, and I hope to coordinate a social justice curriculum with her, to ensure a sense of community between all Santa Clara students and to avoid potential divisions along lines of social class. I think by integrating the students as young kinder students, they will create lifelong friendships before the socioeconomic pressures of the world become more salient.
On the leadership structure at the Santa Clara:
PM: I will be head of both the North American and Honduran staff. I am so lucky to have Flavia Garcia, who has worked at Santa Clara for a number of years as the directora of the Spanish classrooms (first-sixth grade) and Brenda Salinas, who serves as the directora of the Spanish classrooms (preK and kindergarten). Together, we will work as a team to communicate with parents, support our staff, and most importantly, continue the wonderful bilingual learning environment we have at Santa Clara.
On the continuing work of OAF:
PM: I am proud to serve with an organization that is working to bring quality education to students, through acquisition of English and critical thinking skills, that will enable them to build the society they want for their country. Our Catholic conception of social justice is central to that – it is one thing to educate a child so he can get a lucrative job and make his life comfortable. It is another thing entirely to educate a child to use their skills for the common good.
Thanks, Peggy. Now that you know a little bit about our recent and important administrative appointment, onto the pictures! We have had three graduation ceremonies in recent weeks, here. And they concern all levels of education–from kindergarten to advanced degree. And at the end, you will find a few wonderful shots that were shared with me by Steve Hayes and company from Brentwood, Tennessee.
Here we are at the kindergarten graduation. The parents make a considerable fuss over kinder commencement. I suppose it’s the same in the United States. But would you make your child or grandchild wear lime green with all of his classmates? And how about that corsage?
We celebrated the mass, and after the diplomas were presented. These children are beginning on a path toward a terrific education in both Spanish and English. And of course, through our scholarship program, sponsors stateside can be there with them throughout the entire journey.
Annie Cashore, Director, receives a gift from the kindergarten class. Those who have visited us in Olancho know the great warmth and generosity of the people here. Well, the giving starts at a young age.
Sarah Veazey, who taught the kinder and pre-kinder classes this past year, poses with one of her students after the commencement.
Continuing on, up the ladder of academic achievement, we have the commencement exercises for the sixth grade class of 2010. In Honduras, in most public education settings, schooling ends at sixth grade and it is no longer compulsory. The reality is that many students must begin work in earnest to help their family. Fortunately for these students, their education will continue this fall at the Instituto Santa Clara (our new middle school). But naturally, there still needed to be commencement and a big party afterwards.
I think most of us have done this at some point. I myself can’t remember, but it has been a few years…just a few.
The students with the gold banners have completed their masters programs at the Catholic University. This year was the fourteenth undergraduate commencement and the third for the masters program. This means we have been able to offer educational excellence to over 300 graduates. We have come a long way since 1991 when there was only one fax machine in Juticalpa and that was in my office.
It was a lovely day for a graduation and the weather cooperated. We have made a firm commitment to celebrate God’s creation by planting many trees and plants as you can see.
I am awarding a medal for academic excellence to the students with the highest point average. In this case, Yanira Vasquez finished her studies with a 97%.
Prior to graduation is a ceremony called Promesa de Ley in which students pledge to use their education to help the country. It is a legal requirement and students who do not show up on time are unable to graduate. During the Promesa de Ley I usually give a discourse to the students and those who are in attendance. As you might have guessed the ceremony is very formal. Nice to see everyone dressed up.
Here one of the soon to graduate signs the promise of the law along with her two witnesses. Think back to the kindergarten graduates–one day this could be them, receiving their masters and with good English as well. With education, all things are possible.
While working on a schoolhouse roof, Chris, one of our volunteers from Tennessee, fell through it and broke his wrist. However, Chris when patched up continued working with the group. Thank you Chris for your example. The stamina of the youth is great!
We are familiar with the story of the walk to Emmaus from Luke’s Gospel. The resurrected Christ joins two travelers on their walk, and he is later revealed to them when they share a meal together. Here, we see that Christ is with us through his love. Bill from Tennessee walks through a poor village with two new friends.
This is the joy of knowing you are where God wants you to be.
To loosely quote one of those newspaper outfits from New York, that’s at least most of the news that’s fit to blog. Until the next issue. Christ’s peace be with you.
Fr. D
Dear Friends,
I write to you a few days ahead of schedule, and hope to find you pleasantly surprised. Some had suggested a Saturday update every other week would be well-timed. I wholeheartedly agree. So as you struggle through this summer heat-wave with your Starbucks iced-coffee, dial up this blog on your newfangled Mac and spend some time with your old (but not too old) friend formerly of East Boston and currently South of the Border. My apologies to Cardinal Sean, who writes an excellent blog at www.cardinalseansblog.org and also updates on Saturdays. My technical staff has assured me that cyberspace is expansive enough for the both of us. As the saying here goes, vamos a ver (we will see)!
First, the work of the eight North Americans who taught at Santa Clara this year deserves some special attention. These individuals heard the cry of the poor, and devoted their considerable efforts to fostering a bilingual education for their students. We have four volunteers staying on for another year, and another ten arriving in August! By my count, that’s fourteen North American volunteers. We look forward to welcoming the new arrivals, and we owe a special debt of gratitude to the recently departed.
From Left: Carlos Najera (Executive Director, OAF), Ginny Rainwater (5th Grade), Mary Monley (2nd Grade), Kate Wolff (4th Grade), Sarah Veazey (Prepa and Kinder), Nicole Lanning (3rd Grade), Beth Mevissen (1st Grade), Dan Karbousky (7th Grade), Yours Truly. Not pictured: Meagan Tenety (6th Grade)
Anne Cashore, Director of the Santa Clara School, had this to say about this year’s group of volunteer teachers:
As someone who sees groups come and go each year, I have seen just how diverse God´s servants really are. Each new group of volunteers never ceases to amaze with its collective talents and areas of expertise and this year´s group was no different. With the reputation of the school growing and a North American in each grade, this was the year to really push Santa Clara to improve so this group of volunteers was given the challenge of preparing students for the first ever all-school Science Fair and they all managed to guide their students wonderfully. Though it was never easy, the final result was a school full of students who learned how to think on their own and who can now bring to life the scientific method. This same group helped organize the first-ever Santa Clara spelling bee and also started a year-long reading buddy program with the youngest and oldest students in the school. It was a year of many “firsts” for Santa Clara and this group of volunteers proved to be the perfect group – ready for any challenge and pursuing it with enthusiasm. The academic advances we made this year would have been impossible without them!
Briefly, allow me to profile three departing volunteers – Beth, Nicole and Kate. Then, there is Ginny, who is staying on another year to coordinate our new scholarship program. Here is a little about them, and in their own words.
Beth Mevissen
Conway, South Carolina
Elementary Education, Winthrop University
I was most surprised in Olancho by the lovingness and hospitality of so many friends I made there. I found this saying to be true, “Olancho is easy to enter but hard to leave.” I wish for the 2010-2011 group to have an amazing experience just like our group did and to live each day to serve God and the people of Olancho. I think OAF is doing so much good for the children and the community and I think this is only the beginning. I can’t wait to see how the foundation and the community continues to grow.
Nicole Lanning
Fenton, Michigan
Theology and Political Science, Aquinas College
I knew when I left for Honduras that I would care for my students, but I had no Idea how much I would grow to love them or how many of their parents would welcome me into their homes and lives.
Kate Wolff
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Peace & Justice Studies, Wellesley College
I loved my time teaching at Santa Clara because the students were wonderful! I adored all forty of my fourth graders. They were creative, funny, enjoyed singing, reading, making up stories and were always respectful. It was very rewarding to watch them progress and to get to know each of them. Santa Clara is an unique environment for students to grow and learn and I feel blessed that I could be a teacher in that setting.
Ginny Rainwater
Charlotte, North Carolina
Social Work, UNC-Greensboro
It is difficult learning a language, and I realize Spanish has a ton of cognates! But there are also some false cognates to throw you a curve ball. One time someone asked me what type of “mascotas” we have in the United States. I didn’t know that word but used my reasoning ability and replied, “Well we have lions, and tigers, and eagles…” He questioned me about dogs and I said, “Well they are not that common.” Later I learned “mascota” is the Spanish word for pet– not mascot. Oh, the weird ideas I give them about the United States. But, with practice and embarrassment comes learning the language.
Now, let us move to another corner of our world here at Olancho Aid – the Nazareth School. July 8 was the 14th anniversary of the founding of Nazareth and we used the occasion to dedicate our new vocational education project which was made possible by a grant from The Chisholm Foundation of Boston. They have been incredible supporters of Nazareth. Children in our schools wear tee-shirts for physical education. Instead of paying other companies to produce them, Nazareth can do it. Am I becoming an entrepreneur ? Hope so! It provides work for the high-functioning students. Silvia Flores will direct the project. She is now a single mom whose younger sister died recently leaving her a five month old along with her own two. Some people just can’t seem to catch a break. She will direct the project with two Downs students.
Silvia and I display some inventory. Yes, we also do our own promotions.
The student directors fold our finished product in a demonstration at the opening celebration. Lissy Canales, Director of the Nazareth, looks on in the background.
The Hopkinton group members were the first recipients of our tee-shirts. Looks good, right? Come to Honduras, we’ll make you one to order.
Here’s a novel design – Saint Francis is pictured on this shirt. In Olancho, we don’t have many small birds – mostly buzzards and roosters. So Saint Francis might have some unwelcome company while walking down the road in Juticalpa.
One final series of shots. Each Sunday at Mass we greet each other (here, we are all huggers) and wish that person “The Peace of the Lord.” Peace instead of violence is what we really are seeking. The University in conjunction with the local government offices, United Nations, sponsored a mini-marathon to raise funds to continue doing Peace Education which teaches nonviolent behaviors patterns in the schools. Who sang ” All we are saying is give peace a chance”? The music of the 60`s will never die. No I didn`t run but I am into serious walking! Want to join me?
Ribbon cutting at the starting line. It was good to see so many showing solidarity for peace.
Here the group from Tennessee (already famous from this blog, of course) ran the full 2 mile course (mas o menos) in the sweltering heat. Their physicality was put to good use in the subsequent roof-building process at the high school. But you already know all about that!
University students, here. Some signs – and not only the unpleasant ones – are universal.
Thank you for your interest and your wonderful comments. We will be in touch, routinely, on our new “Day of the Blog.” Wishing you health, happiness, and temperate weather.
The Peace of the Lord be with you,
Fr. D
Dear Friends,
Once again allow me to say how much your comments on the blog mean to us. I share them with staff and your interest serves to encourage them.
Do you realize we have 85 people working for the Olancho Aid Foundation? I do – especially at the end of each month when I am looking for the young boy with 5 loaves and 2 fish (or is it the other way around?). Anyway, miracles still happen and sometimes Peter pays Paul. Peter has asked me a number of times if Paul will ever pay him back. My response – I just smile!
Anyway! The grade school has started vacation and recently celebrated an end of the year liturgy. A few days later, some visitors from Tennessee came and joined us. Let me share with you some of the construction work they did in building a cafeteria for our students at the Instituto Cardenal. Lack of space has had kids eating and sitting on the floor. While some pastors might delight in having a problem of more students than space, it is difficult for us, especially during these “rainy season” months. The group from Tennessee are not new to Honduras and for a few years were members of a group called Mission Honduras, originally started by a Conventual Francisan. However, some internal problems within the organization has caused groups to look elsewhere and we welcome them to Olancho with deep gratitude.
In other recent news, through a very generous donation from the Chisholm Foundation in Boston we have purchased a tee shirt printing machine. We envision that it will offer employment to the older students with Down Syndrome at the Nazareth. In the next blog I will share some photos of this project but for now a few photos of a youth group from Saint John’s in Hopkinton (yes, the Marathon Town) who came and worked for ten days and were the first recipients of our tee shirts. Look out Nike. Nazareth is closing in on your market! Enjoy the photos, your gray haired friend doesn`t look a day over 34 (well, ok, for the second time but who´s counting?). Come see Olancho with me!
Here we are celebrating the end-of-year mass at Santa Clara. The school continues to grow. Next year, we will offer pre-kinder through eighth grades. In addition, a newly launched scholarship program aims to find sponsors for half of entering students. Again, you can check out that program here.
Some of the younger students are seen here. At Santa Clara, their minds and hearts certainly benefit from a bilingual and Catholic education.
Beth also took in the celebration. After a year teaching first grade at Santa Clara, Beth returns to Conway, South Carolina where she will continue her teaching career with a desire to focus on ESOL (that’s “English for Speakers of Other Languages”). More on our year-long volunteers in the next posting.
This year’s seventh grade class at Santa Clara came to an end-of-year field day (and dress-down day) in their Honduran national team jerseys. The Honduran team exited quickly from the World Cup, but an appearance in the competition brought with it a great outpouring of national pride.
Some of the group from Holy Family Catholic Church in Brentwood, Tennessee are shown here, with yours truly, outside of the cathedral at Juticalpa’s center. We were very pleased to welcome this active and faith-filled group of 36.
Everyone joined in the celebration of the mass at Jutiquile on Sunday.
Later, the Tennessee volunteers accompanied me to morning mass at the Clarisas Monastery. I celebrate there regularly during the week. It was the first time that many in the group were exposed to the contemplative life which centers on prayer, liturgy, and the divine offices.
Members of the Brentwood group as they are received by the sisters.
The Nazareth students performed skits for the Tennessee group. Here, two of the older students belt out a passion-filled duet.
After the performance, the group joined the Nazareth students in dancing to some popular music. A good time was had by all. Many Nazareth students, as Hondurans generally, gain particular enjoyment from singing and dancing.
This was early in the construction process. A foundation was dug for the roof’s concrete columns. Scroll down to see the significant progress that has been made on this project!
The Brentwood group levels ground at the job site. This task required both strength and precision. In addition to this work, the group also installed a new roof in a poor one-room public schoolhouse in the area.
The group from St. John the Evangelist is pictured here. They stayed for 10 days and picked up where the Holy Family group left off on the cafeteria construction. Jim Flanagan led this group of twelve college students from the Boston area.
Members of the Hopkinton group cart wheelbarrows full of dirt over to the cement-mixing pile. Yes, they mixed the cement by hand – no machinery, here. It’s no easy task in the hot sun!
After much mixing and perspiration (only a little extra water required for the cement-making), the Hopkinton group finishes up the laying of the floor for the Cardenal cafeteria.
Progress continues on the roof after a good foundation was laid by the Brentwood and Hopkinton groups.
More in two weeks. Thank you for your interest and support.
Paz,
Fr. D
Dear Friends,
I would like to begin by thanking you for your many gracious responses to the first installment of this blog. As promised, here is the second issue which covers some of the many happenings during the past two weeks in Juticalpa. As I write this, the entire country is anticipating the soccer matchup between Honduras, “David,” and Chile, “Goliath.” For the sanity of the country and for some measure of peace during the day, please pray with us that David again prevails! Though, honestly, any result will lead to considerable disruption. That´s just the nature of La Copa Mundial in Latin America.
Now, onto the photos of those that you so generously support. The first event captured is a procession in downtown Juticalpa during “Semana Solidaridad” or Solidarity week.
Here, students from the Nazareth School for special needs are walking with a sign. They were joined by teachers, family members, high school students, and other supporters in walking to draw attention to the problems and progresses of the developmentally disabled in this country.
Deaf students from the Nazareth carry the banner of the school. The navity scene pictured is one of the many images in the Gospels which remind us of God´s love for all children. His son was born in the poorest of conditions, as are many born in Honduras and especially those with disabilities.
Here, students and teachers are enjoying the procession near the center of Juticalpa. You will notice that the ground is wet. It is the rainy season, now, and it pours most afternoons and at night. This is good for the agriculture, and doesn´t affect our spirits much!
Moving on to another procession during the last two weeks, we return to the community of Jutiquile (which you will remember was the site of the first blog entry). I celebrate mass here every Sunday. And truly, with much singing and clapping, it is a celebration. Here we are processing out of church following the mass in recognition of the Feast of Corpus Christi.
We walked around the town square, singing songs and burning incense along the way. The procession stopped at stations along the way, where we prayed in our celebration of the feast.
Despite its poverty, Honduras is not lacking for images of beauty in its people and its landscape. The weather was beautiful, and people carried umbrellas to protect from the sun.
Here, we see our friends from Holy Family Catholic Church in Brentwood, Tennessee (that´s outside of Nashville) processing. More on them in an upcoming post!
Returning to the Church at the end of the procession. Between mass and the walk afterward, the celebration lasted nearly 2 hours.
These next few shots are of students at La Universidad Catolica who went before a board of examiners and were approved for graduation in their course of study. Above, Raul Padilla receives his certificate in computer science. Students do not know before this moment whether they have passed or not! All students, today, fortunately did. This is the final chapter of their education, and they will now be able to help themselves and this country. See, education is a wonderful thing.
Mario Pagoada and Henry Sierra received their certificates in Civil Engineering. There will certainly be a need for their services, as recent flooding wiped out more than a few bridges in these parts.
Eskarleth Rosales received her certification in law from the board of examiners. Do we really need another lawyer? Just kidding.
The group from Holy Family Parish in Rockland, Massachusetts are seen here on the balcony of the residence by Saint Gertrudis Church in Juticalpa. The group helped prepare the building for the arrival of the seminarians, pictured below.
The Rockland Parish has been supporting our projects for well over 10 years, now. In 2007, as part of the 125th anniversary celebration of the parish, Holy Family began sending mission teams to Olancho. Here, Pat poses for a photo while cleaning the house. This residence will serve to house future mission groups.
Gary, another member of the Rockland group, is caught in deep thought while taking a break from cleaning the windows. Gary used his skills as an engineer in the planning of a water-tank project at the Santa Clara school.
Linda uses her trademark enthusiasm in attacking a dirty floor at the house.
Guess which one isn´t a seminarian? Jose Marcelo (Tulsa, OK), Matthew Stevens (Springfield-Cape Girardeau, MO), Richard Donahue (Boston, MA), Josh Elzner (Amarillo, TX), Josh Gray (San Angelo, TX). These four have joined us for six weeks. They are studying at Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri. Keep them in your prayers as they continue on their path to the priesthood.
Here, the seminarians are seen relaxing on the grounds at the University. Josh Elzner had this to say about his time in Olancho:
“Since coming to Honduras I’ve been impressed with the deep faith I have encountered. We have been all across Olancho, visiting communities. The people, even though they lack many things the world may consider necessary, burn with a strong love for God. This love is based in their hearts and fills their whole lives.”
Well said, Josh. In two weeks, we will be bringing you an update on the North American volunteers who teach for a schoolyear (and as it so happens, often longer) at the Santa Clara school. In fact, as you might already know, we recently launched a sponsorship program to help those in financial need to afford a bilingual private education. That website is:http://sponsor.olanchoaid.org/
Please share with others who might be interested. We´ll be in touch in two week´s time.
Paz to all,
Fr. D
As I mentioned earlier, I hope to post every two weeks so that you can see “up close” the people you are helping. Since we are in the beginning stages of this blog and I am new at all this, this posting was slightly delayed. But without further ado, allow me to show you Juticalpa and Our Holy Week.
For your information, I am the one behind the donkey and not vice versa!
Here we are processing and singing hymns on our way to the Church. Here, Mass lasts about two hours. No parking lot problems and Dunkin Donuts hasn`t set up shop yet.
People bring palms and shout joyfully knowing that Good Friday will not bring defeat. The cries of Hosanna on this Palm Sunday are a song of joy as we anticipate Easter.
On Good Friday the youth acted out the way of the Cross and we stopped 14 times during the two hour procession to listen and reflect of the Word of God and the sufferings of His Son. It was hot, as in really hot. We came prepared with umbrellas and bottled water.
Jesus receives his crown of thorns. A popular flower here is la “Corona de Cristi” which means Thorns of Christ. Even flowers believe in Jesus!
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. Crying, as do many mothers here over their children’s health, education and future.
A very popular custom is the benediction of a child after 40 days. Almost every Sunday, there are babies to be presented. I try to present each child with a small cross that some donors make possible. And to the nervous mothers, I want you to know I haven’t dropped even one child in 20 years.
Marian devotion has always been important in the Church, universally, and especially in the Latin American Church. Here in Jutiquile, we sing Mary’s “Magnificat” every Sunday. Yes, we too wish to be “full of grace”!
If you know of others who might enjoy receiving bi-monthly updates, please drop me their emails and we will take care of it. I look forward to being in-touch again in two weeks.
Paz to all,
Fr. D
Dear Friends:
For many years after my arrival in 1991 I kept in touch via a letter at Christmas and in the last 
year or so via snail mail and electonico. As many know my preaching style has always been brief, trying to encapsulate in a few words what the Scriptures invite us to do. Well, I hope to be able to do the same with a bi-monthly blog that sends you information via photos of what you are supporting. Our projects are growing, our staff ( 85 at last count) continues to grow. We are blessed by many wonderful people, despite being worried by paying bills and salaries we remain encouraged because with you we can joyfully sing that in this life ” we are making God`s work our own”.
I hope you enjoy. Until my next post.
Padre Ricardo
While February is the shortest month of the year it did not fall short for
Olancho Aid Projects.
Once again the wonderful people from Mary Queen of Peace in Salem New Hampshire came shortly after Valentine`s Day with hearts bursting with love and friendship and with “regalitos” for the people, They arrived on the day after Ash Wednesday visiting those for whom sacrifice is not a forty day spiritual practice but a daily companion among the poor.
American Airlines had barely touched down when Claire Sullivan became the Good Shepardess from Saint John`s in Westport leading a group of medical people, electicians and carpenters who spent considerable time helping us in amany areas that needed attention and trips to visit the sick in aldeas.
The day they left TACA airlines dropped off members from the Orange County Chapter of Engineers Without Borders and some graduate students from the University of San Francisco. Thanks to James McBryan and his crew for setting us antenas that will enable us to have a much more efficient communicatuions system and to the students who offered us their observations as to how we can improve our programs in the schools and in particular how to use technology in the classroom.
Soon it will be La Semana Santa which in Latin America is a time for rest and relaxation marked by church services and many – yes many – processions. OAF thanks all those groups who believe in what we are doing and are so generous in coming and helping out. After Easter we are preparing for 3 new groups. God`s Grace keeps on growing. Blessings to all for a Grace filled Holy Week.