Pastors Weekly Letters

Dear friends,

A couple of weeks ago our Marimba Ensemble gave a concert in the town of Souderton, Pennsylvania, just north of Philadelphia, site of the famous Liberty Bell. The group of 12 performers played for a special religious service on Sunday and then later in the afternoon, performed for about 1,000 people in the park. They stayed in homes in the area and learned about the culture of the Mennonite people. The Mennonites came to the country before it was founded, immigrants escaping religious persecution. They decided basically that rather than fight, they would leave with a belief in non-violence, and carry with them a commitment to peace. 

Several of our performers stayed in a home built in 1776, the year liberty was proclaimed in our country. Several of the members of the Mennonite congregation explained how their ancestors were committed to non-violence. They were against fighting in the revolution and several wars. They were "conscientious objectors". They also helped to shape the constitution of the United States, believing in the separation of Church and State, freedom of expression, and ever since the founding of the country they were against any form of slavery. 

This immigrant group of people were also farmers and believed in a simple lifestyle. Even as the marimba players travelled the countryside, they went around winding roads, roads which respected the farming land and the homes. The respect of others was evident to the players. The Mennonite culture celebrates summer with social gatherings in the park, and active works of peace and justice. Our players commented, "Everyone keeps the place clean!", and another said, "They don't even have a television in their house!". And it was noted how many people travel to other countries for works of peace and justice, including a youth group which plans to come for a visit to Chicago.

I believe the lesson of immigration remains in the heart of our young marimba players: immigrants bring beliefs for a better world to our country. They bring the values of family, of peace and of justice - perhaps because they have suffered, but also because they have great hope for a better world. The immigrants of today are of the same heart - they bring hope for a better world. It's not easy, but after 200 years of presence, you can see what a difference the Mennonites have made. What will it be like 200 years from now when people look back on the Mexican community of today?

Sincerely,

Fr. Bruce Wellems, CMF
Pastor