QUEZALTENANGO, Guatemala, MAY 13, 2005 (Zenit.org).- A Papal representative awarded two Maya-K’iche catechists the «Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice» award at the close of Guatemala’s 2nd National Mission Congress.
Archbishop Bruno Musarò, apostolic nuncio to Guatemala, presented the award to Eusebio García and Catarino Tzin at the Mario Camposeco sports ground of Quetaltenango, where 10,000 people had gathered for the closing mass of the congress, reported Fides news agency.
The congress, entitled «Making Our Parishes Missionary,» focused on issues of evangelization and formation as part of parish pastoral plans.
García, 57, has been a catechist for 36 years in Totonicapan, a town in one of the highest and coldest regions of the country, situated about 207 kilometers (128 miles) from the Guatemalan capital.
Tzin, 58, has taught catechism for years in many schools and villages around his home town of Zubil. After spending many years evangelizing, he now prepares candidates for the sacrament of confirmation.
Archbishop Victor Hugo Martínez Contreras of Los Altos Quetaltenango-Totonicapan, said that the two catechists represent many native men and women, simple people, workers, who have dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel.
