Mission in the Diocese of Sololá

Mission News  (June 2021)

Slide Slow of Mission Projects

Donna Connell, Chair
Email or phone: (509) 924-1346

Pat Abler
Monique Aranda
Ron and Donna Connell
Roger and Miriam Devaney
John and Judey Dacquisto
Deacon Gary Franz
Fr. Pat Kerst (Vice Chair)
Jerry and Clara Monks
Amanda and Julio Morelos
Maureen O’Keefe
Susan O'Connor
Patt Perlman
Chris and Judy Pinney
Mark and Kelly Richard
Julianne and Kevin Sachs
Pauline and Craig Soehren
 

Although many dioceses in the U.S. support deserving projects, few enjoy the close, unique, and continuing relationship that the Diocese of Spokane has with the poorest of the poor. Thanks to the leadership of Bishop Bernard Topel in the late 1950s, the Diocese of Spokane entered into an agreement with the Diocese of Sololá in Guatemala, whereby Spokane offered to share spiritual, material, and human resources with the Diocese of Sololá.

The Mayan Indians in northern Guatemala are among the most impoverished people in the world. Oppressed by others for hundreds of years, these native peoples have been forced to eke out a living on the slopes of volcanic peaks at the 7,000-12,000 ft. elevation level. Many families live in one-room homes with dirt floors and no water or electricity. With an inadequate food supply, malnutrition and disease are common.

We in Spokane provide support in a variety of ways. Fr. Manuel Nicasio, native of the area, replaces Father David Baronti who retired after serving 42 years in Ixtahuacan. Sister Marie Tolle, of the Sisters of Charity, also retired with Sr. Gloria now taking care of the convent, and Fr. Nicasio working with catechists in Ixtahuacan. Other projects we support are pastoral services; such as, religious education, youth program, catechist training, and scholarships in Ixtahuacan. Medical and health issues are served by our support of Dr. José Miguel and the medical program which includes clinics in Nahualá, Novillero, Ixtahuacán, and New Ixtahuacan. The radio station, “Nawal Estereo,” provides educational and religious outreach to over 1.1 million people. Our support also extends to the Catholic school and pastoral work in Nahuala, Our Lady of the Highway Preschool, and the Minor Seminary in Solola.

Ongoing prayer and financial support are vital to the lives and welfare of these people. They are very grateful and thankful for support from Spokane and they pray for God’s blessings for everyone!