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| CONTINUED...All of you have
the heartfelt gratitude of the sick-poor, who are once again being served with medical
services and medicines at rock-bottom prices. The ladies had mentioned that the patients
made inquiries, "Why is there so much joy among the medical staff?" Changes too have been made. We have done our homework, and now there is a better security system at the front door; no longer can any Tom, Dick or Harry walk in. Also, one day a week, there is a private policeman who accompanies the ladies to the bank to make the deposits. Whereas the ladies used to go to the bank every Friday, they now go on different days, so as not to have a set pattern for robbers to anticipate. Here as throughout Central America (except in Costa Rica), there is no control by the civil government of robberies, kidnappings, etc. After the civil war (the peace agreements were signed over six years ago) those performing such violent acts, be they the civil police or ex-military officers, were not included in the peace agreements! Thousands of ex-military officers were without reimbursement. So our people suffer the consequences. The weapons used in robberies and kidnappings are of a sophisticated military caliber. Many of the business industries have moved out of the country. Those with some financial backing have emigrated to the United States. Those trying to defend themselves through the poor judiciary system of courts of law have been harassed. All of this bleeds the people, making them vulnerable to violence, greed, and graft. Even those of the United Nations and those with human rights organizations have been intimidated. But one must not lose faith being up against such a wall of this frightful situation. You good readers of this mission letter have given a wonderful moral boost to so many here. The young and elderly coming to the Clinic of Santo Domingo will have the medical attention that others had tried to take away through violence. You heard the bell ring and you lifted Christ upon your shoulders, perhaps not here in the city streets during Lent, but you really lifted up the "Living Church," which is the living Christ of today. Your brothers and sisters here in Guatemala, in gratitude, we bless your names to our Savior and Our Lady. Thank you! Brother Raymond Triduum of Saint Martin de Porres How can you help? Find out how to support the Western Dominican Missions. |
