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2009-12-04
Dear Classmates
Many of us will have an encounter next year in May. I´m really looking forward to that moment.
Meanwhile, I want to thank you for the part which you all played in the medal I got from the mayor of this city of Chihuahua due to our effort to give a dignified shelter and human formation to the Tarahumara natives that dwell in our midst. I really feel my effort was possible because of your contribution. Up to this point we have given solution only to one hundred Tarahumara families, - the investment has reached close to two and a half million dollars- but we still have about 90% to go. We must keep on trying to the end. Along with the dignified shelter, we must provide for them not only grade school, but some of them will get to go to the university. The education institutions are most willing to give scholarships to these natives, and actually we already have people studying in high schools and even in the university.
Along with the education process, we must also provide economic projects which we name here "cooperativas" in which the natives themselves are the owners. The whole of the city is collaborating: government institutions, business men, private citizens, etc. This is a team work which all of you and me started, and where you must keep on being present.
If ever one of you would have an opportunity to come, please do so. Our team would be delighted to show you the accomplishments.
Your prayer and economic help is most welcome so as to motivate Mexican aids when they see that you keep on helping from outside. Actually, what you started, has multiplied long ways.
I bid farewell and pray that you, along with your whole family, may have a Christmas in which Christ may be born in your heart over and over.
Brother and friend
Oscar A. Raynal S.J. ´55
Attachment:
Father Oscar receives Medal for Asentamientos
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2009-08-01
Dear Classmates
I send each one of you and your families a great hug and my daily prayers.
On July 25, last Saturday, we had the solemn inauguration of the Asentamiento Tarahumar that comprised 67 houses. The one that was inaugurated three years ago had 36 houses, which with this one makes a total of 103, 10% of the total number needed to lodge the thousand tarahumara families that live here in the city. I´m attaching a description of it in the next page, where it becomes evident why everyone was so impressed. The inauguration was programmed for May 2 but because of the influenza everything was canceled. It was too bad that no one of you could be present. Dick Lilly had to cancel his trip because of Laura´s health problems.
We had the presence of the Tarhumara community, of many of the institutions that were involved, the particular donors and many guests. The Tarahumaras made a speech where they expressed their gratitude for getting such decent homes and making them feel dignified.
The houses were not given to the natives but were lent in an agreement in which they have to fulfill certain conditions and the first one would be to have a positive attitude toward community and family life. This of course would include stable work, sending their children to school, on time payment of services, avoid getting drunk or taking drugs, by no means begging in the streets, gentle treatment to their wives and children, etc.
The idea is that all these Asentamientos would be a forward point to be followed by the state and the nation in regard to similar problems. It was not to be just an isolated instance.
This Tarahumara colony or Asentamiento in its dignified aspect is only a first stone in the building of all the other aspects necessary to complete the humanization process. The aspects of health, education, production, etc. are already in process. Three years ago, we hired a social worker, called Felipe Ruiz, that speaks perfectly the Tarahumara language since he lived among the natives as a missionary during thirteen years, and six of them he was alone as a white man in a Tarahumara community. He understands perfectly the mentality so that the processes may go at their step. He gets $1,000.00 USD a month, half time, that is paid by a business man that was my pupil when he was fifteen years old. The asentamiento that was inaugurated three years ago, thanks to Felipe´s presence has been a great success due to their community integration process and to its adaptation to the white society. Right now the males are working mainly in construction projects and the females are making craft - little dolls dressed as Tarahumara-. However, we also have a person dedicated to crafts and economic projects so we eventually can get to be self-sufficient economically.
The reason I relate all the above to you is because this whole project has been a fruit of the generosity of the class. I´m only representing you. I woldn´t have done anything without your help.
I´m convinced that the Lord is most grateful to you since you are giving life and giving it in abundance to his smallest and most deprived children. If you get into great pains to have your own children grow into worthy persons, imagine how interested must the Lord be to get his children into a dignified and happy situation.
I hope, next May, when we meet again in the 55th anniversary of our graduation you would allow me a small space to show a projection prepared by our team so as to give all of you a clearer idea of the whole process.
May He keep on blessing you and all your family for ever.
Oscar A. Raynal S.J.
MBE 38-197
2220 Bassett Ave.
El Paso, TX 79901-2020
Attachment:
Asentamiento Tarahumar Pictures
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