I had the opportunity to meet Mariana and Adelaida years ago, back when they were forging their own path to respond to the calling God was presenting to them; it has been a journey of constant growth in which both have had to overcome the obstacles they encountered.
Adelaida was the first one I met from March to May 2011, when I was doing my three-month missionary internship in the community of Vicente Guerrero. She was part of the catechism group preparing for her First Communion; the formation included leadership training so that upon completing the course, she could become a catechist. It is important to mention that, as missionaries, people saw us as nuns because they often called us “Mother.” Understanding the reality of her culture, she made me realize that it was necessary to speak with the community leaders so that the role she could fulfill would be recognized. A meeting was called in which I participated; the community leaders, the authorities, and those in charge of the church were present (only men could hold these positions); after a three-hour discussion, it was agreed that, as a woman, she could be responsible for catechetical formation in the community. She has now held that position in her town for 15 years; today she participates in the parish council, the diocesan assembly, and missionary congresses; her community supports her because she represents her people.
Mariana’s experience was different; she was part of the youth missionary group at the seminary and engaged in vocational discernment with the América Misionera group. When I served in formation in 2017, I recall that she participated in the CLM informational retreat and began her journey with the Comboni Lay Missionaries group, having to overcome her own personal, family, group, and social obstacles. She participated monthly in the retreats and in the group’s weekly activities. Her perseverance led her to take firm steps, and today she is serving as CLM in the parish of San Miguel Arcángel in Metlatónoc, where she will serve for three years.
They already knew each other from attending the same meetings where both participate in the parish. This week, something different emerged during this Lenten season: they carried out a team service for 7 days, offering formation sessions in the communities of Vicente Guerrero and Linda Vista in preparation for Holy Week—these are spaces where teamwork strengthens the individual. During the day, they engaged in various activities, including the following:
+ Sharing the themes of the Holy Days of Holy Week.
+ Training the catechists of Buen Vista to lead their own celebrations.
+ Games with the children, such as a Bible verse lottery.
+ Praying the Dawn Rosary (in Mixtec) at 6 a.m. in Vicente.
+ Harvesting chilacayote.
The importance of continuing to share the Gospel wherever God sends us allows us to meet people who are open-hearted and helpful. You, too, can join this great project. TAKE THE PLUNGE.
Beatriz Maldonado Sánchez, LMC Mexico
