San Jose Succotz

 

I've had the opportunity to go to Mass at San Jose, which is located in San Jose Succotz, Belize, the last two Sundays.  The small Catholic church is located in the center of the small town.  The church is decorated with a crucifix over the altar and a small statue of Our Lady and St. Joseph to each side of the sanctuary.  The electrical wiring running down the walls makes it obvious electricity was an afterthought when the church was built.  The bells are rung as the priest arrives 10 minutes before Mass, thus signalling everyone to begin making their way from their homes to the church.  The pews fill up this Sunday the same as every Sunday before.  As the only white people in attendance, I feel we have been let in, even welcomed in, to the very heart of the people here.  I wish I could describe the beauty of the people's faith.  Our faith makes sense and that's easily seen here.  It's consistent, it's traditional, it's unwavering, in it's simplicity there is peace and hope.