Our bishop opened the year 2011 by visiting the Renewed Catholic parish of Renovación Carismática, whose center is in Capellanía. The principal reason for the celebration was the confirmation of about forty of the faithful through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The recently created parish is working seriously to grow in the faith. There have been complications, because the decision to be organized as a parish meant a serious step in its members’ commitment as Renewed Catholics. The faithful have firmly promised to work for the growth of every one of the communities in the parish and for the creation of new communities where none exist.

Right:  The crowd that filled the church for the celebration.

Left:  The bishop, standing  at the side of brother Domingo, president of the Parish Council, is exhorting those who are to be confirmed to be aware of the commitment they are making on receiving the sacramental grace. The bishop is urging them to enter into prayer so that the gift of the Holy Spirit that they will receive may find fertile soil in their hearts and can bear abundant fruit.

On the afternoon of January 1, the bishop visited the Chinacá Community in the municipality of Huehuetenango. The theme was putting the new year into the hands of the Lord and renewing our commitment to work tirelessly in the mission that the Lord has given us, which is to discern the presence of the Kingdom of God working in our midst and to bear witness of the Good News to everyone.

Above:  During the homily. The bishop is stressing that we, like Mary, are called to be open to the mystery of salvation and to participate in the many blessings that the Lord has prepared for every one who trusts in Him and is ready to carry out His will unconditionally.

 

 

 

Left:  The faithful who are participating in the Eucharist coming forward to receive Communion.

The Chinacá Community has a music ministry that is very popular in the area. In the photograph at left it can be seen leading the recessional song at the close of the Mass.

On Sunday, January 2, following a tradition that is now several years old, the bishop began by visiting the Ylbá, Cuilco, Community. Some parents brought their children to be initiated into Christian life through baptism and chrism, and a group of young people were confirmed through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They promised to work in the community as the apostles did.

Above:  The bishop during the homily in the Feast of the Lord’s Epiphany inviting the faithful to be open to the experience that the oriental Magi had on finding the baby Jesus in Mary’s arms. He exhorted them to offer themselves, as their best gifts, to carry out the mission that the Lord has entrusted to us.

 

Right:  The group of young people that were to be confirmed making their profession of faith and giving their promise to live as authentic apostles of Jesus Christ.

Left:  The parents of the children that have been initiated into Christian life are praying over them that the gift they have received may grow and bear abundant fruit.

In the afternoon of January 2, Monsignor Eduardo visited the community of central Cuilco to proclaim the creation of the Renewed Catholic Parish of “Inspiración del Espíritu Santo” and to carry out the blessing of the recently built pastoral house. In addition, during the Eucharist a group of the faithful received confirmation.

After the homily, the bishop read Decree 11-01 which declares the creation of the new Renewed Catholic parish. It comprises all the communities in the municipality of Cuilco, Tectitán and some located in the Nueva Omatenango area of Mexico. In the photograph at right: having read the decree to the assembly, the bishop is delivering it to brother Gilberto, president of the Parish Council.

After the creation of the Parish was declared, Father Pedro Martínez, pastor of the new parish, spoke some words of gratitude and also called for a fresh commitment in face of the challenges that being a parish implies.

Left: Father Pedro addressing the assembly.

At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, the blessing of the pastoral house took place.

In the photograph at right: The bishop sprinkling the house with holy water. With him, from left to right, are brothers Eulalio and Santos, members of the Pastoral Council.

On Monday morning, January 3, the Deanery of West Huehuetenango I took place in the Jacaltenango see.  Representatives from all the communities were present. Among the highlighted aspects of the reports was the admirable growth that the communities have had. Buxop, the youngest community, already has more than two hundred adult members, and more than six hundred total. Likewise all the other communities have grown steadily.

After the reports of the delegates and of Father Santos Acosta Sol, pastor of the deanery, which includes the municipalities of Jacaltenango and Concepción Huista, the bishop responded to some concerns that the reports had raised, and then laid out the work plan for the current year. At the end of his explication, each of the faithful promised to implement the plan diligently.

Por la tarde, el obispo celebró la Eucaristía con la comunidad de Onlaj, del municipio de Concepción Huista. A pesar de que apenas se encuentra actualmente en el área un tercio de los miembros de la comunidad, el templo se llenó. Los otros dos tercios, al igual que los habitantes de buena parte del área Mam, se encuentran durante los presentes meses trabajando en fincas de áreas cálidas, pues la zona donde viven, en esta época, debido al frío y a la falta de lluvia, no tiene condiciones para realizar cultivos. Durante la homiIn the afternoon, the bishop celebrated Eucharist with the Onlaj Community, in the municipality of  Concepción Huista. In spite of the fact that only a third of the community’s members are in the area at present, the church was full. The other two thirds, like most people in the Mam-speaking area, work during the cold months in plantations located in warm areas, for in Onlaj the cold and lack of rain makes the cultivation of crops almost impossible. In the homily the bishop urged that the absence of so many of the faithful not prevent an active community life. He also urged that those who have to travel to other places be organized to give witness to their faith and their Christian life wherever they are.

Above:  Father Santos Acosta and the bishop administering Absolution to those who have confessed their sins.

 

 

Right:  Brother Benito, who in the past was one of the leaders of the Charismatic Renewal in Huehuetenango and now is coordinator of the Onlaj Community, during the reading of the first lesson in the celebration of the Mass.

In the evening, the bishop presided at an emotional Eucharistic celebration in the Tzisbaj Community, Jacaltenango, Huehuetenango. The little house of prayer was too small, so the celebration took place in an open area, blessed by pleasant, serene weather. About four hundred faithful participated in the celebration. The community is especially glad because, after much sacrifice, it has acquired a lot on which it will soon begin construction of a permanent church.

Above:  Prayer at the beginning of the Eucharist.

Right:  Monsignor Eduardo during the homily exhorting the Assembly to work for total renewal, that is, renewal that is marked by a revitalizing all the family relations, as well as relations with the neighbors and the whole community. He also exhorted the participants in the celebration to work fervently in evangelizing and in starting new communities.

On Tuesday, January 4, in the church of the Guaxacaná Community, Nentón, the Deanery of West Huehuetenango II took place. The atmosphere of the meeting was very positive.  It could be readily perceived that the faithful are very aware of the being the church. They are likewise aware of the pastoral activities that they should carry out so that the community may grow.

Above:  Some of those attending the meeting. Beside the bishop is brother Julian Bal, who as the bishop’s coworker and representative has been charged to work with the Nentón communities in planning, organizing and implementing their growth.

 

 

Right: The assembly listening to the report being made by brother José, leader and representative of the Subajasuj Community.

At the end of the meeting of the Deanery, the bishop presided at the celebration of the Mass with the members of the Guaxacaná Community. Brother Juan, one of the directors of the Community, who was chosen by the faithful and carefully instructed, was presented to be installed as Communion Minister. After hearing the community’s wishes, the bishop proceeded with the installation.

Above:  Entrance procession for the Mass.

 

 

Right:  The bishop with the other communion ministers invoking a blessing on brother Juan, asking that he may be installed as Communion Minister and receive the grace whereby he may, by his life and his love for the Eucharist, show forth the ministry that he is receiving.

In mid afternoon Monsignor Eduardo made his first pastoral visit to the Chaculá Community. On the road to the community, located between Gracias a Dios (at the Mexican border) and San Mateo Ixtatán, he had the pleasure of driving the recently asphalted kilometers on the North Transversal Highway. When he arrived at the community, the faithful who had been prepared to be confirmed and to celebrate their Solemn Communion came out to greet him and accompany him on the short walk to the place where the Eucharist was to be celebrated.

The Chaculá Community now has about twenty families and 180 members. Although the community began several years ago, the growth is very recent. In addition to confirmations and communions, a marriage was celebrated and two children were initiated into Christian life.

Left:  The bishop talking with the couple, who besides marrying presented their little boy to be initiated into Christian life.

Right:  The bishop anointing with chrism those who had been prepared to be confirmed, after anointing the children who had been baptized.

At the end of the afternoon, the bishop celebrated Eucharist with the La Trinidad Community, Nentón. A group of children were presented to receive complete Christian Initiation: baptism, chrism and communion.

Right:  The father and sponsors praying over the faithful who had been baptized and received chrism.

On Wednesday, January 5, the bishop went to Santa Eulalia for the Deanery of Central Huehuetenango. Representatives were present from the four parishes of the deanery:  Santa Eulalia, Soloma, Santos Arcángeles and San José Quxabaj. All the faithful shared with joy and hope the various successes of their journeys. In some cases they were large construction projects.  In his commentary on the reports, the bishop stressed that although material projects are important, the core of our mission identity is the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. When we are true to that, then all the rest will be added to us.

Above: Father Fredi Mux, who is responsible for the pastoral work in Santa Eulalia, giving his report after the delegates had given theirs. At the right of the bishop is Father Felipe Corimanaya, responsible for the pastoral work in Soloma, San Rafael, San Miguel and San Sebastián.

Right:  The bishop commenting on and responding to various concerns that had been brought out by the reports.

In the afternoon of January 5, Monsignor Eduardo visited the Cololaj Community in San Rafael La Independencia. The community had met with gladness for the celebration of the Eucharist. In his homily, Monsignor Eduardo emphasized the importance of living as Renewed Catholics in every aspect of life.

Above:  The bishop during the invocation of the Holy Spirit before beginning to administer Absolution to each of those who made a confession of sins.

Right:  The distribution of the communion.

At the end of the afternoon, the bishop visited the Coyá Community in San Miguel Acatán. Because of the bad road conditions, it was quite a feat just to getting. But on arriving the bishop had the joy of meeting a community that had been fasting and praying all day long in preparation for the Eucharist and the confirmation of two members of the community.

Above and right:  The confirmation ritual.

On Thursday, January 6, the Deanery of North Huehuetenango met at its see in Santa Cruz Barillas. Representatives of a good part of the communities of both Barillas and San Mateo Ixtatán were there. Each of those responsible for the pastoral work in their respective municipalities gave a report on their activities. The three presbyters that do pastoral work in the region gave a brief report on the past and plans for the future. They are Fathers Hugo Patzán, Marcos Caicedo and José Armando Hernández.

Above:  The bishop and the Assembly listening to the report of the President of the Council of the Parish of Glorificación de Santa María de Barillas.

At 6:00pm, the bishop visited the Apocalipsis Community of San Mateo Ixtatán. The purpose of the visit was to administer the sacrament of confirmation to about thirty-six faithful. All had been splendidly prepared by brother Sebastián, one of the leaders of the Central Community of San Mateo, who is collaborating with brother Domingo, coordinator of the Apocalipsis Community and whose health is precarious. Among those confirmed was brother Domingo himself, who, in spite of having worked many years in the church had not yet received confirmation.

The orderliness and active participation of all the confirmands in the celebration surprised even the bishop, who congratulated those responsible for their dedication and generous work.

Left:  The faithful who were about to be confirmed on their knees, praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, while the bishop recites the epiclesis prayers.

In the evening the bishop presided at the celebration of the Eucharist with the Nucá Community, Barillas. The community festival lasted three full days. Thousands of the faithful came from various places to participate. The first two days were for thanksgiving to God for the thirty-three years of renewed life in the Holy Spirit. The third day celebrated the anniversary of the radio station, “Nueva Vida,” which is proving to be an effective means of evangelism for the community. Besides the spiritual growth, which is palpable, all the works that the community has accomplished under the guidance of Father Marcos Caicedo are admirable: the church has been completely remodeled, and the pastoral house shines a comforting welcome.

Above: The church as it was preparing for the entrance procession of the Eucharistic celebration.

 

 

Right: The reading of the Word of God, which was done in Spanish and in K’anjobal, the regional language. At the left of the bishop is Father Hugo Patzán, who is responsible for the pastoral work in Central Barillas, and at the viewer’s right of the bishop is Father Marcos Caicedo, pastorally responsible in Nucá and San Mateo Ixtatán.

Left:  The bishop during the homily. Remembering the blessing that God has granted in the Renewal of the Holy Spirit, the bishop emphasized the importance of describing anew the roots of Spiritual life in the early church and of accepting and implementing all the characteristics of a life of full catholicity.

On Friday morning, January 7, accompanied by Father José Armando Hernández, the bishop made his sixth visit to the Nueva Generación Maya Community in Ixcán, Huehuetenango. It was the first time the bishop came in good weather. All the other times, rain and mud had been the context in which the People of God had expressed their faith and enthusiasm. On this visit, numerous faithful, splendidly prepared by the catechists, received the sacrament of confirmation. In addition the faithful shared their joy on recommencing the construction of their church.

Above:  The bishop, followed by Father José Armando, walking to the church, flanked by the People of God, who, with joy and flowers, had come to meet them.

Right:  After the confirmation ceremony, the confirmands, on their knees facing their parents and sponsors, join in the prayer that the latter are making that they may persevere in the road of faith and that by their life and witness the same fruits may result as those attained through the first proclamation of the Gospel. The bishop joined in the same prayer.

On the afternoon of January 7, the bishop visited the Siglo XIX Community, also located in Ixcán, Huehuetenango. During the visit, not only was Eucharist celebrated but also some children were initiated into Christian life and some of the faithful received the sacrament of confirmation.

Above: Father José Armando administering absolution to the faithful, who had previously confessed their sins.

  Right:  Brother Miguel, leader and coordinator of the community, translated the bishop’s homily for the community. The homily exhorted the People to seek complete renewal, focusing on life and family relations. It is the same theme that the deanery reflections have had this quarter.

On Saturday morning, January 8, the bishop visited the Patalcal Community, San Mateo Ixtatán. Before the celebration, Monsignor Eduardo met with some delegates of the community to discuss the principles and procedures that should be followed when difficulties arise in the community, especially when they come from the faults and failings of some of the faithful. After a lengthy dialogue, the conclusion was that, given that the Word of God is the supreme norm of discernment and that in it we are enjoined to compassion, brotherly correction and conversion, these three principles should be carefully followed in order to confront the difficulties that currently exist and can arise in the future.

After Patalcal, the bishop went to Ocanté, a small community belonging to the municipality of San Mateo Ixtatán and located on one of the peaks of the Cuchumatanes. Although it was very cold, the panorama was most beautiful. In the photograph at right, taken of Ocanté, the community of Patalcal is at the right and in the distant background are the volcanoes of Tajumulco and Tacaná, which are in the Department of San Marcos.

For the bishop, it was the first visit to the recently formed community of Ocanté. Monsignor Eduardo’s surprise was great. For one thing, in spite of economic limitations, the faithful had almost overnight built a beautiful church. For another thing, the church organization seemed to be very sound. In particular, the bishop praised the way they included children in the life of the community.

Right:  The order and attention of both adults and children in listening to the bishop’s homily, in spite of language difficulties. Mateo Pascual, the communion minister, made a summary translation at the end.

How lovely when brothers live in unity! The psalmist’s words express the experience of our church’s presbytery at its annual spiritual exercises, which took place from Monday, January 10, to Thursday, January 13.

The meeting was held in our San Lucas Seminary. In accord with tradition, our bishop, Monsignor Eduardo, was responsible for coordinating the retreat.

The theme on which the retreat centered was the Work of the Holy Spirit in the presbyter’s life and ministry and in the whole community, emphasizing that all that we live and celebrate and do has the objective and goal of “theosis”—partaking of the divine nature—to which we are called.

Above and right:  In the Seminary chapel, in the presence of the Most Holy Sacrament, Monsignor Eduardo speaking at one of the meditations. There were six meditations in all.

The meals were a special grace as a time of sharing. A deep spirit of fraternity washed through the entire retreat. By the grace of God and the commitment of each presbyter, they all had matured in their presbyterial awareness and pastoral dedication. In the photograph at left: one of the meals in the Seminary refectory.

In addition to the meditations, there were also four instruction periods, three dialogues, and a planning and orientation meeting. The instructions and the final assembly were in one of the classrooms at the seminary. Right: The bishop imparting instruction and the presbyters giving their full attention.

One of the important resolutions that came out of the meeting was to divide the presbyters into small groups that will meet regularly to sustain presbyterial fellowship. The objective of the gatherings will be to stimulate spiritual growth, to share pastoral concerns, to develop pastoral materials, and to provide mutual support on all levels. The groups were formed along the lines of the presbyters’ geographical locations.

Right:  The bishop delivering the homily at the closing Mass of the exercises. The entire Presbytery resident in Guatemala was present—the bishop and eighteen presbyters. The central theme of the homily was to become aware of the fact that the presbyterial communion is a privilege but is also indispensable for the accomplishment of our mission, as Jesus indicated in chapter 17 of the Gospel of John. Likewise he emphasized that in order for this communion to live it is essential that each of the presbyters have a concrete, living experience of the presence of the Spirit in himself and in all his ministry.

Left: The entire presbytery pronouncing the Anamnesis over the bread: “Take and eat: this is my body which is given for you and for many.”

Right:  After the Anaphora, the entire Presbytery, with hands joined, say the prayer that Jesus taught us, feeling that the fountain of unity is not merely the confluence of ministries, but the experience of divine relationship made real by the living presence of the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of each presbyter.

The exercises closed with a special lunch to which all the seminarians present at the seminary were invited. It was a beautiful ending to the four days of fellowship, of fraternal life and above all of meeting with the Lord through the witness of the Holy Spirit in the heart of each presbyter.

At the end of lunch, before giving the final benediction, the bishop recapitulated aspects of our mission and dwelt on the commitment we have continuously to rediscover, to accept and to implement to the fullest the faith, the liturgical life and ecclesial organization lived by the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church during the first millennium. There, he stressed, is where we find the meaning of our existence and the guarantee that the road on which we have started will endure.

To the viewer’s left of the bishop in the photograph is Father Rigoberto Upún Tum, Vicar General of the Church and Dean of the Presbytery. To the viewer’s right of the bishop is Father Francisco Simón, Pro-Vicar General and Vice Dean.

In the corner of the refectory, and also in front of the chapel altar are two lovely nativities that remind us of the mystery of the Incarnation and invite us to continue in the attitude of Mary, so that in our life and ministry the mystery of the Incarnation may continuously be actualized anew.

On Saturday, January 15, Monsignor Eduardo visited the San Miguel Arcángel Parish and the El Pescador Ministry in Los Angeles, California. The community, in spite of some recent organizational difficulties, is enthusiastic and eager to continue working actively to carry out the mission that the Lord has entrusted to us.

Above:  The bishop, at the beginning of the celebration, greeting the assembly and presenting them his hopes for the year 2011, for it was his first visit there in the new year.

Right:  The members of the ministry, coordinated by brother León Velásquez (at the far left) come forward to receive absolution after having confessed their sins.

Left:  The faithful in line to receive Holy Communion during the Eucharistic celebration.

At nightfall on January 15, Monsignor Eduardo celebrated Eucharist with the Pacto Divino Community, part of the San Miguel Parish, in Los Angeles. Two brothers received the sacrament of Confirmation. During the homily, the bishop highlighted the community’s growth, both in the number of participants and also in its commitment in faith. He encouraged them to continue on this path. Remembering that Christ was anointed with the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel, we know that we have been made participants in the same anointing, and to us the same mission has been entrusted.

Above:  The homily. The bishop is addressing the two brothers who were to be confirmed.

Right:  Brother Danilo, coordinator of the community, presenting the offering of bread. At his side is sister Eulalia, communion minister from El Pescador, who then presented the wine.

For the evening, the bishop was invited to preach and to pray with the “Restauración” Community, also located in the center of Los Angeles. Brother Pedro has just begun to serve as coordinator of this community. The faithful are eager to work hard and have invited our bishop to celebrate Eucharist with them at his next trip to Los Angeles.

Above and right:  Prayer and praise during the vigil that the community celebrated from afternoon to 1:30am on January 16.

On Sunday, January 16, our bishop gave a four-hour class to a goodly number of the faithful at the center of the San Miguel parish.  He addressed the final themes of the courses that began in 2010.

In the morning, for about an hour, the bishop shared various observations, perspectives and principles that can help the community respond in a more effective way to the mission of living the Spiritual life and evangelizing all the faithful.

Above and right:  The instruction and the attention that the faithful are giving to it.

During the next phase of instruction, the theme, already developed in the ICERGUA deaneries in Guatemala, will be the characteristics of the mission that we have received and the commitments they entail. The goal is to enlighten the faithful on how to respond with clarity to questions that arise so that they can be effective in carrying out their evangelism commitment.

The day of instruction ended with the celebration of the Eucharist.

Monsignor Eduardo, during the homily, emphasized that we are all called to holiness, which is a gift granted by the presence of the Holy Spirit, who comes to dwell in us and is a dynamic that transforms all of life. The Spirit enables us to radiate the presence of the Kingdom and to carry forward Jesus’s evangelism mission in the world.

On Friday, January 21, our bishop presided at the Eucharist with the Pajomel Community of Santa Cruz La Laguna, Sololá. With this celebration the community began its weeklong Anniversary celebration.

Part of the celebration was the Christian Initiation of a child and an adult.

Above: The People of God after confessing their sins coming forward to receive absolution.

Right: The adult who was being initiated into Christian life receiving the sacrament of baptism.

At the end of the afternoon of January 21, our bishop visited the Chuitzanchaj Community. In addition to the celebration of the Eucharist, several children were initiated into Christian Life.

Left:  The parents and sponsors praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit while the bishop, with the child in his arms, sprinkles the water and announces the baptismal formula, Servant of God, be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Right:  The distribution of the Holy Communion with the Chuitzanchaj Community, Santa Cruz La Laguna.

On Saturday, the bishop made his first pastoral visit to the nascent community of Todos Santos, Huehuetenango.  About a hundred faithful, members of twelve families, organized into three communities, have decided to covenant with us.

During the visit, as can be seen in the photograph at left, Christian Initiation was celebrated for some children.

A few days before the bishop’s visit, a family had been blessed with the birth of twin boys. Their parents were not prepared for them to receive Christian Initiation, but nevertheless they wanted the babies to be presented by the bishop to the Lord, which is to be seen in the photograph at right.

In the simple chapel that the faithful had built, the Most Holy Sacrament is reserved. Thus, two brothers, duly elected and prepared, were installed to exercise the ministry of distributing the Communion. In the photograph at left, after the bishop finished the rite of installation, some of the faithful are coming forward to pray for them.

On the same day, January 22, the bishop visited the La Vega Community in Colotenango, Huehuetenango. Since it was coffee-harvesting time, a good part of the community could not attend. Still, those that celebrated were full of faith and eager to pray on behalf of those who could not be there in person.

Above:  The faithful making the confession of their sins just before coming forward to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Right:  During the celebration the son of the community’s leader, brother Pascual, received the sacraments of Christian Initiation. In the photograph are the parents and sponsors praying for the children at the end of the liturgical ceremony.

On Sunday, January 23, Monsignor Eduardo began his pastoral circuit with the recently created “Inspiración del Espíritu Santo” Parish, visiting the La Soledad Community at the summit of the southwestern Cuchumatanes. A good number of young men and women had been prepared for the administration of Confirmation. The community participated actively and reaffirmed its commitment to do evangelizing work.

Above:  Some of the participants making the confession of their sins and invoking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to receive forgiveness.

Right:  The rite of confirmation being complete, the parents and sponsors of the confirmands pray over them, asking that they may fulfill faithfully the promises that they accepted on being confirmed.

In the afternoon, Monsignor visited the El Monumento Community on the border between Guatemala and Mexico. This small community has suffered several problems, but has recovered, and now its members have renewed the promise to live fully as Renewed Catholics and spread their witness to the Gospel abroad.

Above:  The faithful praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit after having confessed their sins and before receiving Absolution.

Right:  Prayer before the celebration of Christian Initiation for two sisters who were joining the community.

At the end of the afternoon, our bishop visited the La Rinconada Community, located in Nueva Amatenango, Chiapas. This community has many members and although it has not yet been able to build a house of prayer it is very enthusiastic about continuing to give witness to Gospel to all.

For the visit, a group of young men and women had been splendidly prepared to receive Confirmation.

Above:  After receiving absolution, the People of God pray that by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit they may be freed from all bondage and may participate in the life of the blessed.

Right:  The bishop, during the homily, explaining to the confirmands the implications of their commitment on receiving the sacrament.

On January 24 the academic year began for our Seminarians. From the twenty-fourth to the morning of the twenty-sixth, the seminarians and faculty planned the academic activities for the year and developed a schedule.

From midday on January 26 to January 29, the annual Spiritual Exercises took place at the Hacienda Carmona, as is the tradition. Our bishop directed the exercises and used basically the same theme that had been followed during the Presbytery’s Spiritual Exercises.

Above: The chapel for prayer and meditation. Constructed during the 1950s, the chapel is located in the middle of a beautiful forest, which helps everyone to internalize the meaning of the exercises.

Right: The retreat took place in an atmosphere of an “exodus.” Tents were used for dormitories, and the meals were eaten outdoors, as in the photograph.

On Friday afternoon, the bishop and Father Juan Moisés and a group of seminarians climbed the Mount of Carmona and arrived at Santa María de Jesús, Sacatepéquez in order to have the concrete experience of an exodus. In the photograph at left: arrival at the summit.

Right: In the middle of the descent from the mountain.

Left:  Saturday morning, during one of the bishop’s meditations.

Right: Carlos Isaías from Totonicapán, Maxi Eliseo and Julio from Comalapa, Arturo from Ixcán, and Jeremías from Chiantla gathered around the bishop.

Left:  José Raúl from Huehuetenango, José Alonso from Nicaragua, Father Juan Moisés, and Orlando from Jalapa, who this year is part of the instruction team.

Right:  José Humberto from Raxujá, Eduardo de San Miguel Acatán, Robinson from Comalapa, Jesús from Jacaltenango, Jorge from San Rafael La Independencia, Matías from Barillas, and Fredy from Santa María Ixhuatán.

Left:  The seminarians and the instructors along with the bishop after the closing Mass, in front of the Carmona Chapel.

On Saturday, January 29, the bishop and eight seminarians climbed Mount Cucurucho, on a bright, sunny afternoon.

Right: The bishop and behind him Maxi Eliseo, during the ascent.

Left:  At the summit of the Cucurucho, with a magnificent view of Lake Amatitlán and the cities of Villa Nueva, Villa Canales, Guatemala, and Amatitlán in the background. Carlos Isaías, the bishop, Matías, Arturo, Ambrosio, José Alfredo, and Jorge.

On Sunday morning, January 30, the bishop made his first pastoral visit to the Santa Cruz Balanyá Community. This community, after a long pilgrimage through many places and churches, covenanted with us a little more than a year ago. At the beginning the community was weary and weakened. Now it is full of hope, and has begun to experience growth. It hopes soon to be able to construct its own church building.

During the celebration one sister was confirmed. In the photograph at right: the parents and sponsors prayer over her after the liturgical rite.

During the afternoon of January 30, in order to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the covenant, the bishop presided at a parish assembly and celebrated the Eucharist in the Santa Iglesia Catedral of San Juan Comalapa Chimaltenango.

Left:  Façade of the cathedral, its banner announcing what is being celebrated. It says, “The Lord loves his People. Sixth Anniversary of the Catholic Communion of Santa María of the New Exodus with the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista.

With the help of the municipality, a splendid plaza is being finished in front of the colonial church and the cathedral. The design, the material and all the details are those of a great work of art.

Right: The bishop with Fathers Francisco and Rigoberto on the Plaza of San Juan Bautista. On the column at the extreme right a bronze statue, two meters high, will be placed. It is a replica of the statue of St. John the Baptist that is at the high altar inside the cathedral.

During the assembly the bishop talked informally for more than an hour about the implications the Year of Expansion has for us. Representatives of the seventy congregations in the Cathedral Parish attended the assembly.

Above and right:  The assembly during the bishop’s instruction. Three months before, the bishop had visited the Cathedral to give instruction. At that time, the People of God requested that there be an instruction session every quarter of the year.

When the assembly was concluded, and the cathedral completely filled, a Eucharist of Thanksgiving was celebrated for the sixth anniversary of the covenant of the Cathedral Community with ICERGUA and for the third anniversary of the time when the Lord saved the community from the attempt of outside forces to dissolve it. It was a joyful celebration.

Above:  The bishop during the homily.

Right: Fathers Francisco and Rigoberto elevate the ciborium and chalice during the doxology that concludes the Eucharistic prayer.

Left:  At the end of the celebration the atmosphere was festive. The bishop and the presbyters are greeting the People of God.