
CHAPTER FIFTEEEN:
A Glimpse of Mission History
The San Lucas community has survived many national disasters, including earthquakes, tropical storms, and mudslides. At some of these most difficult moments, the Mission has stepped in to provide emergency response to these natural disasters. Sometimes visitors to the Mission were unable to leave and ended up spending additional days and weeks helping with disaster relief. Fr. John and his ham radio were often the only connection to the outside world, relaying requests for essential supplies and getting updated information from other radio operators.
While the Mission can’t control natural disasters, it does build housing to be earthquake resistant, mitigates flooding danger by building retaining walls where necessary and reduces the deforestation which leads to mudslides by building hundreds of fuel-efficient stoves every year.
The photos below show some of the outcomes of these natural disasters and speak to the tremendous power of the Mission to provide critical support in times of crisis.
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CHAPTER TWELVE:
Loma Bonita, Oaxaca, Mexico to Esquintla, Chiapas, Mexico

A Glimpse of Mission History
Father Greg’s funeral was a historic moment in Guatemala. Fr. Greg was diagnosed with cancer and would periodically return to Minnesota for treatment. Although he wanted to die among the people he served, he passed on May 24, 2012, while receiving care in Minnesota and his body was returned to his beloved San Lucas Tolimán. When the hearse carrying his body approached San Lucas, more than 30,000 people lined the road to honor their fallen servant. He had funeral masses in Minnesota in Eagan and New Ulm and also in San Lucas.
The anniversary of his death is honored every year and he lives on in the hearts of the tens of thousands who have benefitted from the services of the Mission.
Below, you’ll see photos of Father Greg’s funeral in Guatemala, which shed light on the powerful legacy he left behind.
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Friends of San Lucas partners with and advocates for the San Lucas Mission by supporting its locally-led programs. Through relationships, we believe that hearts and minds can be transformed.
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