Discovering solidarity through mutual encounter in Guatemala

Our parish, Queenship of Mary, has built up an ongoing friendship with the parish of Santa Cruz in Chiquimulilla, Guatemala. Through discernment by representatives of both communities, we decided together to develop a microfinance program in the village of La Morena, which is part of the parish of Santa Cruz. We send parishioners on bi-annual delegations to Santa Cruz and La Morena, and their pastor and some parishioners have visited our parish, leading to lasting friendships. In between visits, we strengthen our unity through correspondence and Skype gatherings, observing each community’s special feast days, intercessions, bilingual songs, and by using palm branches from Guatemala on Palm Sunday.  In the words of one of our parishioners, “I did not understand what solidarity really means until I went to Guatemala.” 

Learn More:
Anchoring Discipleship in Prayer and Worship 
Being Neighbors, Locally and Globally