In Dominican Republic, people know about Lent

Lenten greetings from the Dominican Republic! Every Lent, a good number of people decide to fast, some for spiritual reasons, others for health reasons. This year, I'm going to try it for both reasons. I could stand to deepen my faith and drop a pound or two.

Lent
• Lent-related articles  • 2003 Lenten Wish List (3/7 issue)  • Lenten rules (2/28 issue)

Fasting is something most of us can choose to do. But recently, while visiting one of our campo chapels (located in rural communities) and looking at the face of the people, I saw the face of hunger.

I was talking to people about our Lenten customs of fasting, penance, sacrifice, no meat Fridays, and the like. Yet, as I kept talking, I kept looking at the faces of the people and I couldn't help but notice the hunger.

Finally, I said, "Some people fast and it's a choice, and there are others who fast because they have nothing to eat." Someone shouted, as is the custom during the homily, "That's for sure!" My comment opened the door for people to express the difficulties they're experiencing this Lent.

Since the New Year, it has been very difficult for most of our campesinos. We're in a serious drought; we've had no rain since January. The land is dry. Dust is everywhere. Water holes where people get water have dried up. In one place, children are walking two hours to get water for drinking and cooking.

Lately, there has been a constant trail of people at the parish door looking for something to eat. Thanks to some recent donations, we've been able to pass out rice and beans to the most needy. We've also sent food out to certain poor areas so people there could divide it among the most needy.

Yet, in spite of the difficulties, the people somehow manage to have a sense of hope.

Many of our people are fasting not by choice, yet they know already what fasting is supposed to do, draw one closer to God.

After the same celebration of Mass, when I was leaving, a little old lady, who is poor as poor can be, stopped me and wanted to talk. She apologized for not going to Mass last Sunday because her knees hurt.

I told her that God understands; when one is sick, you're excused. She seemed OK with my answer, but put her hand in mine, giving me some money. She told me it was for God.

She had sold an animal the other day and couldn't forget to give God his part; it was 200 Dominican pesos, roughly $9.

All I could say was "Thank you" and go on my way. Without a doubt this little old lady is fasting and is very close to God.

(Fr. Seis, a native of Antigo, is pastor of our diocesan mission parishes at Elías Piña and El Llano in the Dominican Republic.)