Monthly Archives: December 2013

MASJCD Student Xochitil Anda on the Migrant Worker, from the Motherland

To my dearest child, the immigrant:
I am Tenochtitlan, land of the Aztecs, your motherland. Gone are the days when we were the dominant culture. We have been conquered by a stranger, who tore down our beliefs and placed a cross in our hands. Our worship forever changed; our language replaced with their language. My dearest child, you are no longer just an Aztec. Now you are the product of a painful war between us and them. I wish we had joined other tribes from our land and fought against them. But the reality is that now we are a different culture. You were once called an Aztec, now you are called a Mexican. Do not be ashamed, instead remember me, your motherland.
Remember me as you travel to another land. You leave me because I can no longer feed your hunger, quench your thirst and protect you from the modern day conquistadors. These modern day conquistadors are wealthy just like the first conquistadors. They use their wealth to build monuments of power at the cost of people like you. It saddens me that you must leave me, but I understand that you have a family to provide for. I hope that as you travel and settle in the other motherland that you teach your children about me. Teach them about your motherland.
It is likely that this new land will not richly mention our history or their current involvement with your motherland. You must teach them about us, the Aztecs, the Mexicans, and even all of us Latin Americans. Now that you are in this new land, treasure it just at its original natives did at one point in history. Prior to being forced out of their lands, just like you, they were conquered by a stranger. They were taken out of their own homes and made slaves. They were perceived to incompetent, though you and I know that given our cultural and historical similarities, they were much more incompetent. This new land that you are going to is beautifully chaotic. It possess a complicated history marked by slavery, oppression, and injustices.
I must warn you of the sufferings you will encounter in this new land. You may find yourself working in the fields or meat packing factories for long hours only to receive a minuscule paycheck and harassment as a tip. At times you will be haunted like animals, to be packed in a bus and shipped back to “where you came from”. Do not let what happened in Postville Iowa, 2008, frighten you. Yes, it was an outrageous I.C.E. raid. Be wary my child, this new land is not always welcoming. So as you wipe the sweat of your face and feel your back ache remember that I will always be your motherland loving you from afar. The new land is rich because of people like you and others cultures who share our tragic history of oppression.
I hope that in this new land you follow the urgency of Martin Luther King Jr. and join hands with your new African-American brothers and sisters. They too were conquered, though unlike you their ancestors were forced into this land. Eat with them, share your stories and have discussions. Embrace the Hotinoshonni’s vision of coexistence. My dearest child, join hands with every color of skin and stop these conquistadors from stealing innocent cultures. Echoing Alice Walker, do not believe them when they tell you this is not your land. It is your land. I leave you with a gift, it is a simple lens. This lens is made up of compassion, empathy, and marvelous creativity. Use it wisely and pass it down only as a gift. This way it will be free for everyone to use. So march on my dearest child, I Tenochtitlan, your mother land will always love you.
Sincerely,
Your motherland, Tenochtitlan.

Disclaimer:
Inspired by Dr. King’s letter and Welch, I decided to write a letter to a migrant worker from the perspective of Tenochtitlan. Tenochtitlan is modern day Mexico City. This city was founded by the Aztecs. Legend has it that the Aztecs build the city after seeing an eagle holding a snake by its peak while resting on a cactus. This was a sign from their god to build their kingdom. To make the long story short, the Spaniards conquered the Aztecs and other tribes. Spain ruled over Mexico for a long time and it was not until September 16th 1810 that Mexico gain its independence. Thus with this date in mind, I reflected on my personal cultural history while incorporating some of the struggles migrant workers face. Such as the raid in Postville, Iowa. This a small town with a large amount of Latin American immigrants. ICE basically showed up at a meat packing factory and deported a significant amount people. For more info on this raid: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/15/magazine/postville-iowa-is-up-for-grabs.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0


In remembrance of Long-time IPS adjunct faculty member, Fr. Pat Brennan

Dr. Bob Ludwig sends along his reflections on Fr. Pat Brennan:

Fr. Patrick Brennan, RIP: Over the weekend, Pat Brennan drew his last breath and passed over into the mystery of communion with God. Patrick created some wonderful books on evangelization and mission as the focus of the post-Vatican II Church. His sensitivity to the suffering of others, especially psycho-spiritual suffering, led him to develop a focus on forgiveness, mercy, and compassion. He wanted the alienated to find new access to the gospel, and he wanted parishes to be centers of hospitality and celebration of good news. His work in the Archdiocese–and around the country–was ambitious and expected the Church to embody its faith in creative new ways. Thank God that he lived to see Pope Francis begin a reform and renewal that is long since needed. In the world of ideas and rhetoric, of influences direct and indirect, of hundreth monkeys–perhaps Patrick hastened the day for one such as Francis to lead the Church. At any rate, his passing is sad, but his presence was such a gift. His prophetic urgings for an adult Church that embraces the gospel at the level of experience and commitment will endure and feed our collective hope. Peace be to you, dear friend. –Robert Ludwig

The wake and funeral arrangements for Fr. Pat Brennan have been announced, and we wanted to share them with you.

Wake

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

3:00-9:00pm

St. Julie Billiart Church

7399 West  159th Street

Tinley Park, Illinois  60477 

 

Funeral Mass

Thursday, December 5, 2013

11:00am

St. Julie Billiart Church

Main Celebrant: Monsignor Kenneth Velo

Often times Fr. Pat referred to our beautiful Cross of New Life and preached about our shared belief in life, death and resurrection through Jesus.  It is fitting that we gather together again under this cross to remember Fr. Pat and honor his contributions to our community.

We would like all to join us for a special Memorial Mass.

Memorial Mass of the Resurrection

Saturday, December 7, 2013

12:30pm

Holy Family Catholic Community

2515 Palatine Road

Inverness, IL 60067

Special Hospitality to follow at Holy Family.

 

Many of you have asked how you can support the legacy of Fr. Pat.  The Fr. Pat Brennan “Ignite the Laity” fund has been established and contributions will be accepted in lieu of flowers. For more information, contact IPS professor emeritus, Dr. Peter Gilmour at  (773) 732-4868.