San Cristobal: 48th anniversary of Samuel Ruiz´s ascendancy to Bishop
The 48th anniversary of Samuel Ruiz´s ascendancy to the office of bishop was held January 25th in the cathedral of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas.
During his term as bishop of San Cristobal de las Casas (1959-1999), UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) reports that some 40,000 indigenous people received relief through Bishop Ruiz´s initiatives. As a result, he was the recipient of the UNESCO Simon Bolivar International Prize in 2000.
In 1996 Bishop Ruiz was awarded the Pacem in Terris Award, an award established by a 1963 encyclical letter by Pope John XXIII that calls upon all people of good will to secure peace among all nations. Bishop Ruiz received this award for his work with the National Intermediary Commission (CONAI), which acted as intermediary between the government and the EZLN during the early days of the Zapatista uprising
The anniversary mass was held in Spanish, Tzotzil, and Tzeltal, and was attended by a diverse group of people. The service also incorporated elements of traditional indigenous ritual such as the dance of the Quetzal feathers.
During the mass, it was announced that a new community center will be built in order to house the many awards that Bishop Ruiz has received during his career.
In a show of the support that Bishop Ruiz still in holds the area, the mass ended with a cry of “Que viva Tatic Ruiz!” (Long live priest Ruiz).
For more information:
A diez años del levantamiento, hay una nueva conciencia sobre los pueblos indígenas, dice
Jorge Santiago entrevista a Samuel Ruiz
Chiapas Bishop Emeritus Brings Hope to Central Valley’s Indigenous Community
