Sunday, March 25, 2001
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Sunday, March 25, 2001 |
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Holy Trinity readies for medical mission A small band of local folks is getting travel gear ready to leave Fayette County for the mountains of Guatemala, where they will serve the people of the tiny village of San Mateo with medical assistance, supplies and the love and support of the parishioners of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. This is the third mission trip from the parish community to the Catholics of the Diocese of Huehuetenango, adopted by Holy Trinity as a special project for the Jubilee Year of 2000, which called for involvement in acts of social justice. Through a random drawing, parishioners chose Guatemala as the focal point of their efforts and the church was soon connected to the Diocese of Huehuetenango. "That was the start of a deep bond between the Peachtree City parish and the impoverished citizens of San Mateo, a bond that grows stronger as the months pass," according to a statement from the church. Father Fernando Molina-Restrepo, parochial vicar at Holy Trinity, described the trips as "an opportunity for us to stretch out our hands to our brothers and sisters in Central America and to share with the less fortunate. We also are nourished in return by their faith and their faithfulness to the Church." He added, "We go to serve and we receive so much more. We go with the Gospel message and are greatly enriched by their prayers and appreciation." The first mission trip was one of investigation, when eight members of the parish accompanied Father Fernando on a fact-finding trip that took them to remote regions, visiting eight towns to determine the many needs of the people. It soon became apparent to them that medical needs were primary and a second mission trip was planned with a decided medical dimension. Four nurses and an interpreter joined Father Fernando for that trip last September to San Mateo, a tiny village in the mountains of Guatemala. Suitcases were filled with medical supplies to meet the needs of the people. A small clinic was set up in the town and residents soon began lining up in the rain, waiting to be seen by the medical team. The line was long, the wait longer. But the people were patient and happy to receive this rare medical attention. Awilda Guadalupe served as interpreter for the Holy Trinity mission and described the experience as "very emotional. The people are a very shy culture and they were genuinely moved by our presence. When we touched them, they smiled in return, reaching out to us." Guadalupe said she thought many of those in line came "just to see who we were." Apparently, they liked what they saw. The team of nurses administered medical help for wounds, backaches, infections, skin conditions, parasites, malnutrition and gastrointestinal problems. They reported a great need for basic hygiene, nutritional counseling, infant care, first aid treatment, and prevention of injuries. A pledge was then made to return with more medical help. Members of Holy Trinity committed $4,000 a month during the year 2000 to help several parishes in Huehuetenango provide a much-needed breakfast program for their children, most of whom arrive at school not having had any nourishment. There is none in their home. Since the September visit, letters from the Bishop to Father Fernando and Holy Trinity have expressed great gratitude for this program that is providing nutritional assistance for young children. What began as a special Jubilee Year project will continue in 2001 with a commitment of $1,000 for the breakfast project. Holy Trinity has also been asked to assist with the construction of a parish hall type facility that would cost an additional $15,000. Parishioners have become so dedicated to the Guatemala effort that they formed a special group, the Guatemala Action Project (GAP), to develop and implement programs in the parish that would continue Holy Trinity's role of support. "We have struck a special chord in the hearts of our parishioners," said Father Fernando. "Their generosity and commitment in the name of Christ is unbelievable." In mid-May, several nurses, possibly a doctor, and perhaps a dentist will join Father Fernando and a few Holy Trinity parishioners for a second medical mission. Some donations of medical supplies have already been given, but more are desperately needed. In addition, the mission group hopes to take along small items for the children such as hair barrettes, toiletries and small games. Plans include shipping many of the donated medical items by air so they will be there when the mission group arrives. The mission group will leave Atlanta May 13 Mother's Day. "That seems appropriate," says Guadalupe, "since we consider them as our children. Our parish has taken them into their hearts and we go to be with them bringing great affection and prayer." "We go as Christ would go, to these children, these needy," said Father Fernando. "We hope we will be able to bring them significant help
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