Mexico: Bishop dodges bullets to serve indigenous communities

Bishop José de Jesús González Hernández presiding over Mass in Mexico's Chilpancingo-Chilapa Diocese (Image: © ACN)

Source: Aid to the Church in Need

A 'bullet dodging bishop' has shared the danger of his ministry in one of the most crime-riddled states in Mexico.

Little has changed for Bishop José de Jesus González since he took charge of the Chilpancingo-Chilapa diocese, in Nayar, Guerrero, 12 years ago.

He told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that 11 months into his ministry he suffered an armed attack. Despite the risks he has continued to work in the line of fire to support indigenous communities.

He said: "There were three of us in a van and they shot at us. They aimed for our heads, not for the tires. But when they saw that we were priests they apologised and offered to pay for the shattered windows. But what is important is that they didn't send us to sing in the heavenly choir."

On the contrary, when the criminals realised that he was a bishop, they asked for his blessing.

Bishop Gonzalez said the incident was an important moment where he understood that his mission was not only to stand up for his faithful, but also to look with compassion on those embroiled in violence.

He added: "They are also my children, even though they are misguided."

The bishop said the situation in Guerrero is as that of a state "hijacked" by organised crime.

Armed groups administer their own justice, run their own deals to make money and rule over large regions according to their own laws - violence has become institutionalised.

Roads are under the control of gangs and extorsion, disappearances and murder are part of daily life, he told the charity.

But using his voice has come with a price. Priests and community leaders have been murdered for defending and advocating justice and human dignity.

Bishop González has not shied away from the risks that come from the violence despite knowing he could be next.

It has not stopped him celebrating Masses, visiting families and, when necessary, standing up to the danger.

Along with other bishops and priests, Bishop Gonzalez has opened listening centres for mothers in search of their missing children, offering human compassion, legal support and a warm embrace to all those who feel alone.

He said: "They want to feel part of the Church, protected. We can't leave them to fend for themselves among the wolves that devour."

He added: "If we are not brave, the people cry... and God weeps. Prayer makes us brave to enter the fray Pray for us. God does not abandon us, but we need to feel that you are close in order to move ahead."

ACN has been supporting the Diocese of Chilpancingo-Chilapa for several years with projects, including the provision of Mass stipends for priests, repairs to a convent for religious sisters and support for the formation of clergy.

With thanks to Maria Lozano

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: https://acnuk.org