The year 2017 did not begin well
for the Mexican people. The federal government of Mexico, confronting a
weakening currency and rising inflation, removed fuel subsidies. The price of gasoline
spiked upward by as much as twenty percent. The term gasolinazo (referring to the steep price hike of gasoline) became a part
of the jargon for almost everyone in Mexico. On February 4, another price
adjustment will be made; most experts suggest that this will add another eight
percent to the price of gasoline.
 |
| One of the many demonstrations in Tlapa against the gasolinazo |
Of course, this increase in the
price of gasoline meant an almost-immediate increase in the price of transportation. And the
fear is that this will lead to an increase in the prices of food and almost any
other commercial good that must be transported in the country. People are
angered by this change in government policy, and huge demonstrations have
resulted. Tlapa has not been an exception. The gasolinazo will affect especially the poorest of the poor.
 |
| Abel Barrera, director of Tlachinollan, addresses the crowd after a march against the gasolinazo |
The president of the country went
on national television to justify this price increase. Among other things he
said, “What would you have done?” Both pundits and experts were quick to
respond. Cut the huge bonuses and extravagant salaries that high-level government
officials receive, said some. Reduce the luxury travel that the president and
his family are famous for, suggested others. Get rid of the new presidential
plane (the most expensive in the world) was another thought expressed. Recover
the money embezzled by so many Mexican politicians, opined others.
 |
| Surely Concepcion would like to see some of that embezzled money |
And now there is the “feud” between
Mexico and President Trump of the United States in terms of the latter’s desire
that Mexico pay for a wall that he plans to build to safeguard the United
States against illegal immigration. It’s too early to know just how that will
be played out, but it doesn’t bode well for the economy (and people) of Mexico.
 |
| President Trump doesn't have to worry about Concepcion running across the border |
Meanwhile, the daily struggle for
life goes on in the mountain. Life will undoubtedly become more difficult this
year, but there are many signs of life. The Marist Brothers, who coordinate the
Champagnat High School of the Mountain, located in Potoichan, celebrated the
200th anniversary of the founding of their congregation. This school
offers quality education and hope to hundreds of indigenous students each year.
Congratulations to Brothers Cepillo, Checo, and Guicho for the great job they
do coordinating fourteen teachers and 250 students this year.
 |
| Celebrating 200 years of service to the education of the poor by the Marist Brothers |
And in the indigenous villages new
authorities were chosen to offer their services during the year of 2017. These
authorities receive no pay; they really are “servant leaders.” And accepting to
give that service can present a real challenge to some of the authorities. For
example, a father I know had to give up his job in another state to come back to
offer service for one year in his community of Santa Anita. Now he has no fixed
income—but he has two daughters studying in two different universities. Ouch!
 |
| Don Antonio, the xeñá (elder) of Xochitepec, blessing the new authorities |
And next week a brigade of
twenty-four dental personnel from Mexico City will come to the mountain for
several days to offer free dental care in many impoverished villages. Mission
Mexico will help to provide logistical support (transportation) for this project.
The people are always appreciative of this hands-on kind of sharing with them.
 |
| Some of the dental personnel who will come to the Mountain next week |
So we will hope for the best, and
we continue working to transform life here. The most beautiful part of this
effort is that Mission Mexico never works alone; there are always other persons
and groups working in solidarity with the poor, and that community nourishes all involved. Thank you to the people in the
Diocese of Calgary and elsewhere who support Mission Mexico. Many churches have
envelopes in their pews that have “Mission Mexico” typed on them; please
consider an offering for the people here. God bless, and have a wonderful
weekend.
 |
| Braulio is now a lively and healthy little boy, after medical care in Tlapa |
 |
| Thanks, western Canada, for allowing me to enjoy your cold and snow during the Christmas break...yes, it was nice to get back to Mexico hee hee |
