Experience of Mission in Ciudad Juarez

By Sr. Petra Peña Matias

Dear Sisters and Brothers: 

I would like to share with you part of my recent experience living and working in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

This experience has been one of giving myself to support people in marginalized neighborhoods, who suffer abuse, injustice and violations of their rights. In accompanying these families through prayer and reflection on the Word of God; I have discovered that they are people with many values, with leadership skills to get ahead, but because of the lack of resources they have not had the opportunity for adequate education. We Sisters who are part of Tonantzin Women’s Center, have supported and encouraged women, children and young people through various workshops and believe that it is possible for these people to live with greater dignity as sons and daughters of God.

We thank God that many of these women, children, and youth have benefited and are becoming free from oppression, poverty and marginalization.  Even though some are illiterate, they are happy people able to engage in dialogue and conversation, they know how to question, and no longer remain silent as before. We have some young people who have completed University, thanks to the support of generous donors who collaborate monthly with the Center for the education and training of young people and children, to make them better citizens to serve society. Support is also provided to seniors.

The environment in which these families live has changed.  Their homes have improved, they have planted trees to improve the environment, and orchards are planted to have organic and healthy food. Fruit trees were planted; families have been encouraged to raise backyard animals such as: chickens, rabbits, sheep, and goats for their own consumption and also to sell to improve their own financial situation.

Building ecological toilets and filters for recycling gray water has helped the growth of these trees and care for creation. I have given workshops on ecology and alternative medicine (herbal) to various groups of women. I am filled with joy and gratitude in the Lord, to now see them as they make their syrups, ointments, tinctures, micro dosage, etc., for the most common diseases in the area: diarrhea, flu, fever, infection of the stomach, throat, cough, aches, bruises; all this to help their families and also to sell.

In one neighborhood, women make bread and sell it to help maintain the Center. In two other neighborhoods women learned sewing; they make uniforms for their children and other work they are asked to do which helps their finances.

This is how we, the Sisters who form the Tonantzin Women’s Center, are making real the presence of the merciful love of the Incarnate Word, walking together with these our brothers and sisters.  We seek justice and dignity for the sons and daughters of God, we want to be the hands that support and sustain, that embrace, that comfort and accompany our Lord Jesus Christ who suffers in the multitudes of our brothers and sisters.

My experience in this mission fills me with life, energy, and joy. I want to share with you all that I am very happy to live with these families.  Thanks be to God who gives me the opportunity to serve in this mission.

With love,

Sor Petrita