Mexico Ministry
in 2025, All Saints celebrates a 16-year relationship with congregations in Mexico led by Padré Bayron Chanchavac.
History
Parishioners Dave and Karen Howe first became involved with Mexico Outreach in the summer of 2008, when they traveled to Xalapa, Mexico, and met the people at Iglesia Santa Maria Virgen in the Diocese of Southeast Mexico (DSEM) and established a companion relationship with them. In the summer of 2011, they met Padré Bayron Chanchavac who was named priest-in-charge at Santa Maria Virgen after years of decline.
In 2017, Padré Bayron transferred to the Diocese of Cuernavaca, where he was assigned two churches. Since then, he has been working tirelessly to develop the potential of San Pablo in Cuernavaca, where he has transformed a moribund, basically closed church, into a vibrant and outward-looking mission. Santísima Trinidad in the suburb of Acatlipa has been another challenge but Padre Bayron continues his work to develop its potential.
Partnership
All Saints includes funds in its annual budget to support the activities of Padré Bayron’s parishes in Cuernavaca, Mexico. In addition, our congregation holds a fundraiser and fiesta in May to supplement the limited stipend Bayron receives from his Diocese. In 2025 our support put a new roof over part of San Pablo Church, supplemented an uncommon savings program for parish women and youth, partially funded a food pantry, and provided for continuing programs for community youth.
El Efecto Mariposa
Our Mexico Ministry is aptly named El Efecto Mariposa, the Butterfly Effect, representing that a small change in one location such as the beating of a butterfly’s wings or an offered kindness can result in a far greater change elsewhere.
Pandemic and Visa Interruptions
The pandemic and visa issues had delayed Bayron’s visits to Chicago as well as trips by All Saints members to Mexico to worship with his congregations. These excursions always feature new friendships, remarkable insight into the local culture and faith, a plethora of food, and proof that our similarities outweigh our differences. We are hopeful that worldwide health concerns and changing politics in both countries will not hinder a revival of this exchange.
