Fr. Greg to receive the Order of the Quetzal –

This Saturday, October 13th, the San Lucas Parish will receive the highest honor bestowed by the Guatemalan president – the Order of the Quetzal – in the name of Father Greg Schaffer, whose long-lasting service and commitment to the people of San Lucas Tolimán will be distinguished among others. Termed after the national bird of Guatemala, the Order of the Quetzal was established to recognize the merits of those who have rendered distinguished services – either domestically or internationally – to strengthen the friendship, harmony and goodwill between Guatemala and other countries. Traditionally granted to foreign Heads of State and other dignitaries, the Order of the Quetzal is also bestowed on people who have “…consecrated their life toward the advancement of humanity.” And having committed itself to exactly that – the enhancement and enrichment of the whole person – spiritually, intellectually, and physically – by addressing both the immediate effects of poverty and its underlying causes, the San Lucas Parish through Father Greg will now be blessed in receiving the esteemed recognition that accompanies the Order of the Quetzal.

The recognition commensurate to the Order of the Quetzal is testimony to the longevity of the Parish through Father Greg. When Father Greg began over 45 years ago, San Lucas was a small village of cornstalk homes with thatched roofs, lacking both electricity and plumbing. There were neither health care facilities nor schools and women and children suffered severely from the lack of healthcare, with many women dying in childbirth and children suffering as a result of malnutrition. Education, inaccessible to the majority of the Maya population (90%), perpetuated discrimination against the Maya, who were consequently unable to find employment off of the coffee plantations. Land ownership, with which the people could live and raise their own crops, constituted the gravest of injustices, having resulted in the systemization of land deprivation with huge disparities in rural land ownership

Through listening to the expressed-felt need of the people the San Lucas Parish began addressing the disparities, attempting to respond, as Christ did, to the needs of the people. Parish programs began addressing the needs for housing, healthcare and nutrition, education, and land distribution, all attending to the integral human development of the community. Now, as we approach the award of the Order of the Quetzal, we take stock of the systemic change that has taken place, and continues to take place. Through the initiatives begun by the Parish, San Lucas is now a village of well-made homes of cement block and stone, built by local stone masons and carpenters trained in parish programs. Free healthcare and nutrition programs, including dental facilities and an eye clinic, are also available to the people.

Through education, the people of San Lucas have taken advantage of the opportunity to advance. Very proudly, many of today’s Maya teachers, doctors, engineers and lawyers of San Lucas have been educated in the parish’s programs. The literacy rate, at 2.5% when Father Greg first arrived, is now more than 85%. For youth interested in pursuing post-secondary schooling, the parish provides annual scholarships and for others there is an apprenticeship program, through which students gain training in agriculture, stone masonry, carpentry, electricity, and plumbing. With respect to land ownership, perhaps the most significant of the parish’s programs, the San Lucas Parish has undertaken the restoration of land and livelihood to the landless Maya majority - over the last 35 years more than 4000 families have received 3 acre plots of land.

As we approach the award this Saturday, October 13th, we feel great pride in the efforts that have been made through the San Lucas Parish. We express gratitude to you all for your ongoing support and encouragement, and we hold you in our thoughts and prayers as we receive the Order of the Quetzal in the name of all – Guatemalan and American – who have participated throughout the years.

In Peace,

San Lucas Parish

Thank you Fr. Greg for everything you give to the Community

October 13, 2007 Fr. Greg will receive the Orden Del Quetzal, an award for his work with the community of San Lucas Toliman

Thank you for your work in honoring this great man.

Fr. Greg is truly an amazing man. Only God in His infinite wisdom could fill a man with so much love and humility. His gentle spirit and his sense of humor puts us at ease. His knowledge and passion for his community move us to work for justice and change. In spending one week at the Mission in San Lucas, I became more aware of an understanding of justice than I did through years of books. Not only has Fr. Greg made an immeasurable difference in the lives of people in San Lucas, his love has inspired countless others to go forth in their own communities to make a difference. For a man that has given so much, his work encourages others to walk together, live in solidarity, and love endlessly. Fr. Greg is truly a blessing. He is a gift from God, and his presence is lasting in our minds, and more importantly in our hearts. We love you Fr. Greg.

The community of Transfiguration Catholic Church, Oakdale, MN