On Monday, November 1, Monsignor Eduardo began the day by celebrating the Eucharist, as is now the tradition, in the sanctuary of San Juan Comalapa, Chimaltenango.  In his homily, the bishop stressed the calling to holiness that all of us have as Christians. He also paid attention to the fact that it was the day when the Communion of the Saints, in which we already participate, is celebrated. The members of the Coro San Juan Sodality and representatives of the various congregations also took part in the celebration.

Above:  The members of the men’s and women’s sodalities, in keeping with their promise, are prepared to participate in the celebration.

 

 

 

 

Right:  The beautiful rug of colored sawdust that was made for the occasion. In the back, the members of the Coro San Juan are preparing to accompany the celebration.

From 11:00 am to 1:30 pm there was an assembly for the leaders, catechists, representatives of the communities, and the presbyters in which the bishop participated. The reason for the gathering was for them to join together in the instruction that the bishop, by invitation from the parish committee, was to give.  The bishop talked about the significance that the four characteristics of our mission have. He explained that the mission is biblical, Christian, Catholic and ecclesial. Father Rigoberto Upún did a translation summarizing the bishop’s teaching to make sure that everyone understood. There was ample time to respond to the participants’ questions. At the end it was agreed to hold meetings like this one every three months to ensure the growth and deepen the harmony of the church.

Above:  Father Rigoberto welcoming Monsignor Eduardo.

 

 

 

 

Right:  Some of the participants in the formation assembly. About three hundred of the faithful were there.

During the afternoon of November 1 Monsignor Eduardo presided at the Eucharist with the faithful of Chuitzanchuj, Santa Cruz La Laguna, Sololá.

Above:  The bishop giving absolution to the faithful who had confessed their sins.

 

 

 

 

Right:  The Communion Ministers presenting the bread and wine that were to be used for the celebration.

In the evening the bishop celebrated Eucharist with the faithful in the Pajomel Community, Santa Cruz La Laguna, Sololá. The faithful were very excited and renewed their commitment to live the communion of the saints, trying to grow and develop in a way that would enable them to fulfill completely the Lord’s will and to participate in evangelical programs.

On Tuesday, November 2, the bishop began the day in the K’anquintik Community in the

Municipality of Nentón, Huehuetenango. The Deanery met during the morning with representatives from the six Renewed Catholic communities in the municipality. Because of some doubts and mistaken interpretations, the bishop stressed that the administration of the sacraments is limited to those who are taking part in the church. In particular, baptism can be administered only to children of people who are active members of the church.

Above:  The brother who is representing the La Trinidad Community telling of the achievements of the last three months.

 

 

Right:  Brother Pascual, the communion minister in Guaxacaná, telling how some difficulties and divisions that had come about in the community were overcome and how n they are now committed to evangelism and the founding of new communities.

Towards noon, after the Deanery, the bishop presided at the Eucharistic celebration with members of the local community. Included in the celebration was the administration of Christian Initiation for six children.

 

 

 

Right:  The parents and sponsors of the children who were to be baptized reflecting on the promises that they are making to ensure their children’s growth in the faith.

During the afternoon the Monsignor celebrated with the Guaxacaná Community. One of the special purposes of the celebration was to pray for the recovery of brother Juan’s health. He is one of the local leaders.

As is the custom in most of the communities, the men sit on one side of the church and the women on the other. In the photograph above the brothers are praying for brother Juan’s health, while in the photograph at the right the sisters are likewise praying for brother Juan.

During the entire morning of Wednesday, November 3, the Deanery of Cunén and Sacapulas met. Representatives of all the constituent communities were present. During the reporting period, the faithful expressed their gratitude and happiness for the presence of Father Bernabé Mateo Nieto with them. They asked that in the coming year his presence be more permanent. They also reported their success in launching a community radio station in the coming year as a means of evangelism and growth in the area.

In the afternoon the Monsignor visited the Tierra Caliente Community, Sacapulas, El Quiché.  Two couples married, and during the celebration Christian Initiation was also administered to four children, two of whom were children of the couples who were marrying.

Above:  Monsignor Eduardo exhorting the People of God to live out their baptismal promises.

 

 

 

 

Right:  One of the couples preparing to express their intention to marry.

During the evening of November 3, the bishop visited the Santa Clara Community, El Quiché, for the first time. This community of farmers has grown powerfully in the last two years. Its members are characterized by the strength of their commitment. Also, many of them have discovered special charismatic gifts. Their current project is to construct a new church building, for the one they are now using is too small to hold all the members of the community.

The bishop’s visit provided the opportunity for twelve children to receive Christian Initiation. At right:  the parents and sponsors praying shortly after the children had received baptism and chrism.

In spite of the fact that the community does not yet have a permanently installed Minister of Communion, it has a strong Eucharistic dimension. They have committed themselves to elect communion ministers who will be installed as soon as they have received the required instruction so that they can carry out the ministry of celebrating the Word and the distribution of Communion. The number of young people who are actively committed to the life of the community is noteworthy.

The meeting of the Uspantán Deanery on Thursday, November 4 lasted the whole morning. Brother Pablo, president of the Parish Council, made a presentation covering the steps that have been achieved. Among other things, he reported that today there are twelve communities in the central part of the municipality that have organized a team to give seminars on Life in the Spirit. Responsible for coordinating the team is brother Diego, who reported that in the Reina Zone three other communities have been formed and  other new ones are in process of formation.

Above:  Brother Pablo, president of the Parish Council, giving his report on the activities of the past quarter year.

 

 

Right:  The bishop giving instruction to the communities’ representatives. Facing the bishop just to his left is Father Bernabé. To the bishop’s right is Father Denis, who has been practicing his ministry, first as deacon and now as presbyter, with the faithful in Uspantán.

During the afternoon the bishop presided at the Eucharistic celebration. In the photograph at left Alonso Hernández, Father Bernabé, Father Denis, Seminarian José Alfredo Hernández and Seminarian Maxi. José Alonso and Maxi are doing their pastoral work in Uspantán. José Alfredo is serving as acolyte to the bishop.

Right:  The bishop greeting some of the participants during the exchange of peace, just before the presentation of the offering.

On Saturday, November 6, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the Eucharist in the seat of the San Miguel Arcángel Parish, Los Angeles, California. The parish headquarters is located in the El Pescador Ministry on Jefferson and Hill Streets in the southern part of the city.

Above:  The altar and tabernacle in the House of Prayer.

 

 

 

Right:  Distributing Communion. Sister Eulalia, who was installed as Minster of Communion for the village of Nucá, Santa Cruz Barillas, emigrated from there to the United States and now practices her ministry in the San Miguel Arcángel Parish.

In the evening, the bishop presided at the Eucharistic celebration with the Pacto Divino Community, located at Sixth and Burlington Streets in the center of Los Angeles. The leaders of the community are brothers Danilo and Pedro. After some difficult times, the community is now in a recuperation and growth phase. The enthusiasm of the faithful and the way their faith and commitment are deepening is remarkable.

On Sunday morning, November 7, the Monsignor led the Los Angeles ESTYMLA classes. Twenty-three students attended. It was the third session of the courses on “The Epistles of St.  Paul” and “The Introduction to Liturgy.” The students’ interest was obvious, and at the end of the instruction they had a so many questions that the class went on until 1:30pm.

Above and right:  The classes in session.

In the evening Monsignor Eduardo presided at the Eucharistic celebration that was held to give thanks for the “New Life” that the Lord has given to brother Lorenzo. The celebration was in the House of Prayer located in his home. Three weeks before, while he was in Guatemala, he suffered a devastating series of health problems. Nevertheless, through prayer the Lord performed the miracle of restoring his vigor, he was able to return to the United States and now is well recovered; he wanted to tell everyone the story of this miracle and the new opportunity that the Lord is giving him. The celebration was broadcast live by the radio station Nueva Vida in Nucá, Barillas, and then it was and is available via internet to brothers dispersed throughout the world. The technical success especially delighted brother Jesús, sound engineer for the El Pescador Ministry.

One of the music ministers of El Pescador, San Miguel Parish, led the singing. With marimba accompaniment, they sang in Spanish and K’anjobal.

Left: A married couple, León and Eulalia Velásquez, presenting the offering for the celebration.

On Tuesday, November 9, the regular meeting of the Presbytery took place in Antigua. The new presbyters were welcomed and assigned the places where they will practice their ministries. In addition the bishop conducted continuing education on the theme that has been taken up with the leaders in the various deanery meetings.

Keeping to our tradition, the meeting took place at the la Chacra Finca in la Antigua Guatemala.

 

Right: Some of the presbyters participating, during lunch. In the first row: Father Ricardo Sáenz, the host, Fathers Bernabé Mateo, Denis Obando and Santos Acosta. At the table in the back, from left to right: Fathers Fredy González, Rigoberto Upún, Marco Tulio Calderón, Fredi Mux, Juan Moisés Mendoza, Luis Felipe Corimanya and Pedro Martínez.

During the meeting, experiences were shared and with great joy was confirmed the sustained growth that the great majority of the communities have had, as well as the birth of many, many new communities.

On Wednesday, November 10, the Deanery of Nebaj was held. The faithful took the opportunity to share some of the difficulties and hopes they are experiencing. This area has a total of twelve communities. Although the great majority are growing, still some problems of organization, of leadership and mission projects are being felt. Responsible for this area is Father Marco Tulio Calderón Mira.

Above:  Some of the faithful sharing their difficulties and prospects. The bishop and Father Marco Tulio are listening to them carefully.

 

 

 

Right:  The bishop giving instruction to the faithful who participated in the deanery.

After lunch the bishop visited the Central Salquil Grande Community. This community is at present in the process of restructuring after a recent crisis led to the birth of a new community. The leader of the community is brother Juan Raymundo, who was also one of the founders of the Charismatic Renewal in the Nebaj area.

In late afternoon the bishop, joined by Father Marco Tulio, visited the Laguna Tzalbal Community. A couple years ago, with great effort and dedication, the faithful managed to build a church. Now they are committed to putting on the final touches as well as to carrying out a more effective mission project.

On the occasion of the bishop’s visit, in addition to the Eucharistic celebration, two baptisms were celebrated. Above:  Father Marco Tulio gives absolution to the faithful who had confessed their sins.

 

 

 

Right: The fathers and sponsors praying for the children who had been baptized as soon as the rite is complete.

On the morning of November 11, the Deanery of North Quiché II, which includes the municipality of Chajul, had its meeting in the Chel Community. In this area there are ten communities and more are being organized in various places. The faithful shared the successes they have had as well as their satisfaction with the fact that more than twenty faithful from this area have completed the two years of formative instruction in ESTYMLA.

Above:  The bishop and Father Marco Tulio listen attentively to the faithful reporting on the life in their communities.

 

 

Right:  The bishop offering instruction for the church’s servants gathered at the deanery.

After noon, the bishop celebrated Eucharist with the faithful of the Finca La Perla. They were very glad to  have a Eucharistic celebration.

In the middle of the afternoon the bishop celebrated the Eucharist, some baptisms and numerous confirmations in the Ilom Community. The church was completely packed and the street outside was filled with those who were not able to get into the church.  One could see and feel that the community has been growing. Now the task is to organize pastoral work for all the different age groups, which will complement the pastoral and sacramental work that is already in place.

Above:  The participants at the celebration.

 

 

 

Left:  Father Marco Tulio announcing the reading of the Gospel while the bishop is making the sign of the cross.

Right:  The parents and sponsors of the children that are to receive Baptism listen attentively as the bishop exhorts them to accept the commitment that the baptism of the children entails.

Left:  The baptism rite having ended, the parents and sponsors prepare to pray over the children who have been baptized, asking that they may receive the ability to be faithful to their Christian calling.

In the evening, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the Eucharist with the Central Community of Chel. The faithful participated with joy and renewed their commitment to work untiringly in evangelism for the growth of the community.

At noon the bishop made his first visit to the new Estrella Polar Community, which is a village located a few kilometers from Chel. In addition to the faithful of La Estrella Polar, faithful from Covadonga, another new community in the same area in process of formation, participated in the Eucharist.

Above:  The faithful following carefully the bishop’s teachings during the homily.

 

 

 

Right:  The faithful giving thanks, having received Communion.

On the same day, a little after noon, Monsignor Eduardo visited the Quisis Community in the municipality of San Juan Cotzal, El Quiché.  On this occasion, several made their first communion. The decision that the faithful here had made to persevere in the faith and give witness to it was confirmed to the end that new communities in neighboring areas can be established.

Above: The faithful joyously praising the Lord during the processional hymn.

 

 

 

Right:  During the homily, the bishop exhorting the faithful to take on the full commitment of their baptismal vows and explaining the close relation between Communion and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

On Saturday, November 13, the Deanery of Santa Eulalia met, with the participation of the leaders of the Parishes of Santa Eulalia, San José Quixabaj and the Santos Arcángeles (which comprises the municipalities of San Miguel Acatán, San Rafael La Independencia and San Sebastián Coatá, as well as representatives from the Soloma and San Juan Ixcoy Communities. The faithful were at one in recognizing the powerful growth the is going on. Those of Santa Eulalia shared the joy they are feeling on account of having succeeded in buying a large piece of land where they expect to build a large parish church, which will be in addition to the three churches that are already located in the population center. The faithful of Soloma shared the news that they have made the decision to request that they be organized as a parish, for which they have fulfilled all the requirements prescribed in our constitution.

Above:  The bishop during the continuing education segment of the meeting.

 

 

 

 

Right:  The faithful follow with close attention what Monsignor Eduardo is explaining.

On afternoon of November 13, in the Belén Church of the Santa Eulalia Parish, fifty-five young people received the sacrament of Confirmation. All of them had been splendidly prepared. The ceremony itself was also beautifully organized and shone with splendor.

The church was completely filled, including the atrium.

Above:  The array of young men and women who were to be confirmed.

Right:  The bishop confirming the various candidates, assisted by Father Fredi Mux, who has pastoral responsibilities for the Parish.

One of the remarkable moments of the celebration was the presentation by the Parish Choir. Consisting of a few hundred members, it includes those who carry out the ministry of music in the communities. It was beautiful to see this unity and solidarity among all the ministers of music.

During the evening the bishop presided at the Eucharistic celebration with representatives of the Soloma Communities. The specific reason for the celebration was the communities’ request that a new Renewed Catholic Parish, “Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe,” be established. It will include all the Renewed Catholic Communities of the municipalities of Soloma and San Juan Ixcoy.

The young people, who were prepared for confirmation under the care of Father Luís Felipe Corimanya, had a prominent place in the celebration. The bishop, commenting on the readings of the day, stressed the meaning that faith and prayer have for the Christian according to the Holy Bible and the Tradition of the Church.

After the Eucharistic celebration a meeting of the community representatives with the bishop was held. Its purpose was to present the formal request for the creation of the Renewed Catholic Parish of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, which, it was agreed, will take place on December 12. In the photograph, brother Mateo Martínez, in the name of the whole community, is presenting to the bishop the pertinent documents that demonstrate that all the requirements established by the Constitution have been fulfilled. Next to the bishop is Father Luís Felipe Corimanya.

At the end of the meeting, the bishop also had a short meeting with the members of the Youth Group. At its end, they wanted to be photographed with the bishop and Father Luís Felipe.

On Sunday, November 14, Monsignor Eduardo visited the communities of the San José Quixabaj Parish in Santa Eulalia, Huehuetenango. The communities are organized with two centers; those in the east have their center in the village of Nuevo Amanecer and those in the west have their center in the village of Chuazunil. At left is a view of the celebration in Nuevo Amanecer. A large number of young men and women received the sacrament of Confirmation.

In the afternoon of November 14 the celebration took place in Chatzunil. In addition to some baptisms, a fine group had been prepared for Confirmation and one couple contracted marriage.

On Monday, November 15, the Deanery of North Huehuetenango, which is comprised of the municipalities of Santa Cruz Barillas and San Mateo Ixtatán, took place. The number of participants was admirable—there were more than two hundred delegates from the various communities. The bishop gave formative instruction, and then information was shared about the way in which the pastoral work in Barillas is going forward and about the way that community organization in the midst of considerable difficulties is taking shape in San Mateo.

Above:  The participants at the meeting, which took place in the church that is being built in the Barillas Parish.

 

 

 

Right: Monsignor Eduardo giving instruction.

During the afternoon the Eucharistic celebration took place, in which many young men and women, splendidly prepared by the catechists under the guidance of Father Hugo Patzán, received the sacrament of Confirmation of Chrism. The young people, aware of the commitments that receiving the sacrament implies, generously expressed their eagerness to accept them with deep seriousness.

The celebration was the opportunity for about 150 ministers of the Glorificación de María Parish to make the annual renewal of their commitment. At right are those accepting ministries in deep prayer.

At the end, as can be seen at left, Father Hugo Patzán, who leads the pastoral work in the area and now has the collaboration of Father José Armando Hernández, thanked the bishop for coming and for his message for the People of God.

During the evening of November 15, the bishop went to the Ajanchiblac Community, which on just that day had prepared the celebration of confirmations and installation of new communion ministers.

On Tuesday, November 16, Monsignor Eduardo made his first visit to the Floresta Community, which although it belongs to the municipality of Soloma is tended pastorally out of the Parish of Barillas for logistical reasons. After several hours of travel the ICERGUA van was left on the bank of one of the streams of the Yulá [= river] San Juan, and the climb up the mountain began. The climb can take from two and a half to five or six hours.

Above:  The bishop crossing the suspension bridge over the river.

 

 

Right:  Part of the committee resting during the ascent—brother Francisco, one of the leaders of La Floresta, Father José Armando Hernández, brother Miguel and the bishop. Missing is seminarian José Hernández, who took the picture.

On arriving at the summit, a large group from the community came out to greet the bishop. There were still twenty minutes more of walking. The community’s joy and gladness was evident. After many years of neglect, they felt that they had finally found the possibility of living their faith with enthusiastic commitment.

The principal reason for the visit was to bless the church that, with a huge effort,  has just been completed. The community consists of several hundred people, all of whom are energetically committed to evangelism. The banner says, “Welcome, Brothers in Christ, to the Inauguration of the new Charismatic Renewed Church.”

The church was full. Joy was manifest. The visit was the opportunity for communion ministers to be installed, and the Most Holy Sacrament was left there so that it could be distributed to the People of God even when there was no presbyter present.

Right:  The homily. The People of God gave careful attention to the bishop’s message.

On Wednesday morning, November 17, the bishop made his first visit to another community that has just made a covenant with ICERGUA: La Nueva Providencia in the municipality of Barillas.  In addition to welcoming the bishop, the occasion provided the opportunity to celebrate the confirmation of twenty-five people. As is the custom when a community is visited for the first time, the faithful came out to greet the bishop, Father Hugo and Father José Armando at the entrance to the community. From there a beautiful procession to the house of prayer took place.

The faithful had had a vigil and been in prayer since the previous day, and prayer would continue until midnight. The center of the celebration was the Eucharist. Because of the large number of participants, it was necessary to open the back wall, as can be seen in the photograph at right.

Above:  Invoking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the pardon of sins.

 

 

Left:  The  bishop anointing with the Holy Chrism those who were confirmed.

On the afternoon of November 17, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the celebration of the Eucharist at the San Mateo Community center.  A group of the faithful, diligently prepared by Father Marcos Caicedo, received Confirmation. The ceremony was carefully prepared. The growth of the community was confirmed.

Above: The homily.

 

 

 

Right:  Those to be confirmed renewing their baptismal promises and indicating their intention to accept the responsibilities involved in Confirmation.

On the evening of November 17, Monsignor Eduardo presided at the Eucharist in the Nucá Community, Barillas, which is pastored by Father Marcos Caicedo. The church had been lovingly remodeled and shone beautifully.  The parish house is almost complete. The efforts of Father Marcos, solidly supported by the faithful, are bearing abundant fruit.

On Friday, November 18, at four o’clock in the morning, the trip from Nucá to the villages of San Mateo Ixtatán, near to the Mexican border, began.

The first community visited was La Nueva Concepción and Ixquisis. The community received the bishop’s visit with great joy and renewed its promise to work intensely to carry out the church’s mission.

Above:  The faithful, having confessed their sins, come forward individually to receive absolution.

 

 

Right:  Brother Mateo, one of the ministers in the San Mateo Community center, translating the bishop’s homily into the Chuj language.

Towards midday, the bishop presided at the Eucharist in the village of Pojom. The visit had two parts: during the Mass, a large group of diligently prepared young people received the sacrament of Confirmation, and then the new church building, which is still being finished, was blessed.

Above:  The young people being confirmed listening attentively to the bishop’s homily.

 

 

 

Right:  After making the prayer of blessing, the bishop sprinkles holy water on the interior of the church.

In the afternoon the bishop visited the Yultziblac Community. During the Eucharistic celebration the sacrament of Baptism was administered to several children.

Above:  The faithful coming forward to receive absolution after confessing their sins.

 

 

Right: The baptisms.

On Friday, November 19, the quarterly Assembly and the Deanery of South Huehuetenango was held in the ICERGUA Education Center. The bishop reported on the new appointments that have taken place and the organization of pastoral care for the parishes and communities during 2011.  In addition, continuing education, which is given at every Deanery meeting, was offered.

Above and right:  Two moments during the Assembly.

On Saturday morning, November 20, as is the tradition on the third Saturday of November each year, confirmations were celebrated at the Cathedral of Comalapa. One hundred fifty-five young men and women, diligently prepared over the course of a whole year, renewed their baptismal vows and accepted the responsibility of identifying themselves with Christ, living the Christian calling with radicality, and preaching the Good News, before being confirmed with the Holy Chrism and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Above:  Some of those being confirmed praying devoutly during the celebration.

 

 

 

 

Right: Father Francisco Simón reading the Gospel.

Left:  The bishop administering the Confirmation to one of the candidates. Father Rigoberto is looking on prayerfully.

Right:  The Cathedral during the Confirmation rite.

Left:  The cathedral became more and more packed. By the time of Communion, the building was completed filled as was also the atrium.

On the afternoon of November 20, the bishop administered Confirmations in the San Juan Gascón Community in La Antigua Guatemala. For two years Seminarian José Hernández Chávez has worked in this area. Following much work, positive fruits are beginning to be seen. The ceremony on November 20 marked an important moment in the life and growth of the community.

Above:  The bishop addressing those who are to receive the sacrament, explaining to them their responsibilities.

 

 

 

Left:  the parents and sponsors of those who have been confirmed are praying that the Lord may give them grace to be faithful to their commitments.

Right:  The bishop and seminarian José Hernández after the ceremony with some of the confirmands.

During the evening, the bishop visited the Los Olivos Community in Zone 18. This community, served by Father Herberth Urrutia, has shown, in the midst of severe difficulties and various forms of persecution, the solidity of its faith and commitment to persevere in the life of the Church. At present they are installing certain people to certain tasks in order to be able to fulfill the mission that the Lord has given to them.  The occasion of the visit was to administer Confirmation to about twenty of the faithful.

Above:  The homily.

 

 

 

Right:  Some of those who received Confirmation, at prayer after receiving Communion.

At the end of the Mass, the bishop blessed the bread that the faithful took to their homes, in keeping with the full meaning of the Eucharistic celebration.

 

 

Left:  The bishop, Father Herbert, and brother Aroldo, Father Herbert’s right-hand man in evangelizing work.

On Sunday, November 21, the bishop celebrated confirmations in the San Juan Sacatepéquez area, visiting three of the communities that are part of the Church there.

The first community to be visited was Los Guates. Confirmation was administered to about thirty young people. The community was particularly happy, for it has recently acquired a large lot on which it will soon begin to build a church that will in the future serve as a Renewed Catholic Parish.

Above:  Invoking the Holy spirit over the confirmands before beginning the rite of anointing with the Holy Chrism.

 

 

Left: The communion ministers presenting the gifts during the offertory.

After midday the bishop presided at the Eucharist in the Los Pirires Community, The celebration took place on the lot that the community recently acquired. It is a large piece of property on which they expect soon to begin construction. In addition to the confirmations some first communions were celebrated and the land was blessed.

Above:  Those who were to be confirmed as well as many other participants came forward to receive absolution after confessing their sins.

 

 

 

Right:  The children making their first communion come to the altar.

As the afternoon was ending, Monsignor Eduardo celebrated Eucharist, in which fourteen young people were confirmed, in the Los Caneles Community. This is the newest of the three communities visited. Just the same, the faithful are doing everything they can to get organized in order to respond to the community’s growing needs.

On Monday morning, November 22, the Deanery of Cobán took place. About ninety members were there. The strong participation shows the interest that the Lord’s servants have in the fact that they belong to the church and in the instruction they receive. Since it was harvest time, they had means for travel available. All the communities showed that they are growing in a sustained way. In addition, the faithful from Vista Hermosa Cojaj, along with another ten communities, presented the necessary documentation to be set up as a parish. The ceremony, God willing, will be carried out on Sunday, February 27.

On the afternoon of November 22, the bishop visited the Chitania Community. The faithful from there and another six communities are preparing what is needed to be constituted as a parish in the future. For the moment they are involved in formative instruction and evangelism.

In the evening the bishop presided at the Eucharist with one of the communities in the center of Cobán.  Merchants coming from El Quiché have organized this community. In the photograph at left: the bishop giving the homily. Behind him at the left is Father José Ángel, who is responsible for the pastoral work in the community.

On November 23 in San Fernando Sayajché the Deanery of Petén and North Alta Verapaz was held. Faithful from Sayajché, La Libertad, San Benito and Santa Ana were present, as well as those from Chisec, Rajxuhá and Fray Bartolemé de las Casas.  The growth that the communities are having was confirmed, and February 25 was set as the date for creating the Parishes of San Fernando and Chisec, which have finished their organizational process. The first will consist of nine communities, the other of eleven, and are in process of incorporating two more.

In the afternoon the bishop visited the Tierra Linda Community in La Libertad for the first time. More than five hundred faithful were present. They had been meeting since the previous day, and on the bishop’s visit, in addition to celebrating various sacraments, the house of prayer was blessed.

Also, during the celebration, two communion ministers were installed and the continuous presence of the Most Holy Sacrament was put in place. In this way the faithful will be able to participate in communion frequently.

In the evening of November 23, the bishop celebrated Eucharist with the Santa Ana Community, Petén.  Representatives of other communities were also present. They accepted the commitment to work devoutly in evangelism.

On Wednesday, November 24, the Deanery of Ixcán, El Quiché, took place in Pueblo Nuevo, very near to the boundary with the municipality of Barillas. The communities were exhorted to renew their commitment to evangelism and to take seriously the basic features of our mission, avoiding all forms of false prophecy.

After lunch, Eucharist was celebrated. As part of it, young people from the Zunil Community received confirmation. In addition, one couple celebrated their marriage.

Above:  The bishop exhorting those who are to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.

 

 

 

Right:  The People of God at prayer invoking the outpouring of the Holy spirit over those who will be confirmed.

Left:  After the Confirmation the parents and sponsors of those confirmed pray over them asking the Lord that they may persevere in the faith.

Right:  The newlyweds exchanging rings, symbol of the sacramental covenant that  has been celebrated.

Left:  Parents and sponsors of the newlyweds pray over them, asking the Lord that their love may be consecrated by the presence of the Holy Spirit, giving abundant fruit of love and fidelity. The parents of the new couple, who are of a mature age, are the community’s two communion ministers, who have exercised this ministry for more than thirty years. In addition, Domingo, the husband, is Secretary of Pastoral Council.

In the evening, the bishop visited the Xalbal Community. This community began only a little more than a year ago. Still, thanks to the dedication of its leaders, it has succeeded in building a beautiful church and has grown mightily.

Above:  The faithful at prayer, asking for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, in order then to receive the absolution for their sins.

 

 

 

Left:  The distribution of Communion.

On Thursday, November 25, the bishop visited two communities of San Juan Chamelco, Alta Verapaz. The first, located in the remote mountains and accessible only by two hours of travel by car and then forty-five minutes on foot, was San Luís. The faithful had prepared the reception of the bishop splendidly. In the photograph, brother Alfredo Chó, leader of the Community, is receiving the bishop and presenting the candidates for confirmation to him. In addition baptisms and chrism and first communions were celebrated.

Right:  The homily. The faithful are following the bishop’s words with deep thoughtfulness.

During the afternoon, the bishop celebrated Eucharist with the Central San Juan Chamelco Community. The house of prayer, although very simple in construction, is located in the heart of the civic center of the community. It is opposite the municipal building, near to the hospital and other community services. For some time, the community has had difficulties owing to various persecutions. Nevertheless, the faith and perseverance of brother Avelino, the community’s leader, has enabled them to move forward.

Right:  The homily.

At the end of the celebration the bishop shared some moments with the faithful. At left, he is drinking a cup of coffee and talking with brother Avelino.