“It is in giving that we receive.” This inspirational quote from St. Francis of Assisi aptly describes our experience as part of the St. Luke Mission in El Salvador last week. As participants, Mr. Sinchak and I, gave our time and material resources, but we received priceless gifts by witnessing the humble service and compassionate care within the community.
With the proceeds from our Christmas Market and the outstanding response of LCA families during our Catholic Schools Week collection, we delivered backpacks filled with school supplies, new shoes and socks to the families at Siberia Sur school in El Salvador. There was a mutual exchange of love as we enjoyed an enthusiastic welcome, a dance presentation, and smiles and hugs from children and family members. The generosity of LCA is complemented by the resourcefulness and resiliency of the people in the Chiltiupán region, especially in terms of their commitment to education. Students in this rural and remote area (think of the geographic connotation of Siberia) may walk for 20, 40 or 60 minutes on unpaved roads to get to school.
In addition to visiting schools, we were also immersed in the community through “home visits.” The local team members have established relationships throughout the area and identified those most in need. It was a privilege to be welcomed into 13 different homes and listen to stories of grace and grit. Amid dirt floors and metal roofs with chickens and dogs wandering around, our host families and our group embraced and embodied dignity, respect and neighborly love that transcends borders. Later in the week we recognized families from the schools and the home visits when we participated in the monthly Pan De Vida (Bread of Life) food distribution program. Encounters with individuals and groups reminded us of the deeper truth that we belong to each other.
We were energized by beautiful sunrises and sunsets, great meals, and daily reflections, but the greatest nourishment came from the opportunities to pray and sing together at mass. Fr. Kevin presided at three Eucharistic celebrations at sacred sites: the Chapel where Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated in March 1980 while saying mass; the Chapel erected on the site where the four Churchwomen, including lay missioner and St. Luke parishioner Jean Donovan, were murdered in December 1980, and the Chapel at Santo Domingo School led by Sr. Irma. The heartache and the hardships of the people in El Salvador are undeniable, but our faith in Christ proclaims that hope prevails.
The history of El Salvador, especially the civil war that raged from 1979 – 1992 and the complicity of U.S. funding for an oppressive regime, is very complex. However, what is clear now is that our contributions and our faith-filled presence have a significant impact in an area where the needs of the people are so great. We look forward to exploring ways that we can continue to love and live in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the land of “the Savior” (El Salvador).
~Paula Fitzgerald, Director of Mission and Ministry
