Mass intentions for Diocese of Tapachula priests

Mexico is a land of contrasts. Some areas are popular tourist destinations, while others are being torn apart by bloody, drug-related warfare and plagued by abductions, extortions, robberies, and murders. And the Catholic Church is not spared this violence. In fact, Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world today for priests.

The country also reveals glaring economic contrasts. On the one hand, it has a relatively strong emerging economy, while on the other, large sections of the population still live in deep poverty.

The challenges are also great for the Diocese of Tapachula. Lying close to the border with Guatemala, it is crossed by large numbers of migrants hoping to make their way into the United States. The Church is offering pastoral support to these people as well as emergency psychological counselling, while at the same time providing material aid in the form of clothing, food, medicines, temporary accommodation, and help with legal immigration applications. But the parishes are economically overwhelmed by these demands. Added to this are the problems caused by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and landslides in the rainy season.

The priests of the diocese do not receive any regular salary but depend on the generosity of the faithful, who themselves have very little. And so they are heavily dependent on the Mass stipends we are able to send them. Without them, the priests could not afford to pay for their health insurance and retirement pensions and would find themselves utterly destitute if they fell ill or when they grow old. So they are profoundly grateful for the Mass intentions we are able to pass on to them from our benefactors. Altogether, we have been able to promise their bishop Mass intentions in the amount of $40,320 for the 106 priests of the diocese.

Now Bishop Jaime Calderón Calderón has written to thank us: “On behalf of all in our diocese, we want to thank you for helping our brother priests throughout the world in fulfilling their pastoral mission. May God continue to bless you and may our mother, the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe, intercede for you all.”