THE BISHOP'S COLUMN Chicago Catholics’ mission of mercy to Bolivia This is the second part of a column by Auxiliary Bishop John Manz in which he describes the medical mission undertaken by an archdiocesan team late last year to serve needs in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. In recent years, tens of thousands of folks from other parts of Bolivia have come to Santa Cruz to find work, and it soon may be Bolivia’s largest city. This has also meant constantly growing medical needs, among them the insect-borne heart disease called “chigas,” which is endemic in much of Bolivia and shortens the lives of thousands. Our initial overtures to some medical people in Santa Cruz were received with enthusiasm and interest. The plan was and is to establish relationships with a number of hospitals and clinics in Bolivia and then for the “Chicago” doctors and nurses to work side-by-side with the Bolivian medical personnel. Also we would bring as much basic medical supplies as possible--many Chicago area hospitals were very generous with their donations for this trip--as well as share some of the most recent surgical methods, emergency room procedures, etc., with the folks there who are long on hard work and dedication but short on up-to-date hospital equipment and treatment procedures. On this first trip 42 heart pacemakers were brought to Santa Cruz for some of those who suffer from chigas. Along with Juan Hinojosa (and for a few days, Michael Wamble, a staff writer for The Catholic New World), I was the only “non-medical” person there and was part of the pastoral team. Our “pastoring” was focused both with the Bolivian sick and medical personnel we encountered as well as with the Chicago medical team. While the main focus of this medical mission was to alleviate the suffering of the indigent sick and support the efforts of the Bolivian medical folks who do this day in and day out, another high priority was that this was meant to be an experience of faith for those Chicago-area doctors, nurses, technicians, etc. who would volunteer to spend a couple of weeks of their lives in a radically different living and working environment. The encounter with the poor and sick of Bolivia, as well as with their Bolivian medical personnel, was the “grist for the mill” of our reflection in faith. We began with a retreat day at which there were also some 75-80 Bolivian doctors, nurses, technicians, etc. Even though the different languages were a limitation at times, there was great sharing and a wonderful spirit generated and we concluded that Sunday retreat with a Mass in the chapel of the Salesian retreat house called “Muyurina.” We celebrated Mass early each morning for the team members in the hotel where we were staying. Aside from the daily Mass, along with Hinojosa, I spent most of my time accompanying our medical folks to the different hospitals and clinics (including the local prisons), visiting with the local bishop, Archbishop Julio Terrazas, on behalf of the team and this fledgling medical mission effort, giving classes to medical students, doctors and nurses on topics like “spirituality and the call to be a health-care professional” and “the Gospel and patient care,” as well as visiting some local unique pastoral efforts in Santa Cruz. I was only able to stay for the first half of the two-week mission trip, but while it was physically tiring, this was a spiritually uplifting time for me. During my 25 years as a parish priest I regularly visited the sick in local hospitals like Cook County and had an acquaintance of doctors, nurses, etc. At the same time, I never had the opportunity in such a short time, to interrelate in this way to such a diverse group of doctors, nurses and hospital administrators. I was deeply impressed by a number of things that I witnessed during this week. First of all, I was impressed with “our” folks, all 21 of them, who had taken time from their busy lives to participate. A few, like Cheri McEssy, medical coordinator for the Chicago/Bolivia Medical Mission partnership, had been to Bolivia before with the Joliet Diocese’s medical mission in Sucre, but the great majority were thrown into a situation where they were to do what they do all the time--try to heal the sick. The great difference was that this was in a completely different environment with a different language and different culture. They responded magnificently! I found no “patronizing” attitude towards the Bolivians as sometimes happens. Toward the end of the first week, we accepted an invitation to meet with Archbishop Terrazas. Many on the Chicago team told him of their great admiration for what their Bolivian medical counterparts accomplish with minimal resources. They also spoke of being moved by the goodness of so many of the sick men, women and children and their families that they met in the different hospitals, clinics and even prisons that they labored in each day. I was also greatly impressed by so many of the “Cruzenos,” as the residents of Santa Cruz are called. Archbishop Terrazas was not only hospitable to me as a fellow bishop, but frequently expressed his gratitude to all and hoped--as we do--that this medical mission partnership can continue sending a team at least twice a year. I also had the privilege as well of meeting some marvelous people working in the hospitals and prisons. These were people whose deep Christian faith was constantly nurtured by their tireless efforts for the poor and sick in their midst. For me, this was one of many opportunities I have had in my life to have my faith strengthened and my heart touched by our brothers and sisters to the south. Each has been unique and a source of great joy to me as I am sure this trip to Bolivia has been to all who served on the team. The plan is for a Chicago medical team to visit Santa Cruz twice a year--fall and spring. For many it will be a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor; for others, there may be return trips. It is gratifying to know of the financial support a number of parishes in the archdiocese have given to the Medical Mission Partnership in general and the moral support given to some members of the mission team in particular. I am hopeful that the missionary spirit generated by this mission partnership will be a source of grace to this entire archdiocese. Thanks to all who have put so much of themselves into this effort! Sincerely yours in Christ, |