The recent, repeated emphasis by Pope Francis on concern for the poor has brought renewed attention to the outstanding travel program operated for that purpose. It is called "Global Awareness Through Experience" (shortened to read "GATE") and it has been offered for more than 25 years by an order of nuns, the "Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration", from their convent in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
The GATE program takes people of all faiths to communities of the poor in Mexico, Central and South America. They meet as equals with the persons they visit, in an effort to understand their plight and their needs, and not to preach to them. Not always in favor with others of their faith, because of their previous support of "liberation theology", the GATE sisters have imbued thousands of Americans over the years with a passionate sympathy for and understanding of the poor, which is also evidenced by contributions that GATE solicits for programs aiding these impoverished communities.
In 2016, GATE will operate frequent departures of each of several major programs going to the following locations, among others;
El Salvador: January 3-13, 2016 and July 13-24, 2016, on which participants will view Salvadoran history through the eyes of the poor, including the political murder of Archbishop Romero and others. They will visit a hospital maintained for the poor, visit a rural bakery providing employment for poor women, meet with "Mothers of the Disappeared" formed during the civil war in that country, and pursue important discussions with member of the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador.
Mexico and its Countryside, February 15-24, 2016: Participants, through translated discussions, will learn the reasons for emigration by large numbers of Mexicans, in addition to visiting sites displaying the economic realities of Mexico. They will discuss, in particular, the situation of women in many parts of Mexico, in addition to conducting translated discussions with residents.
Guatemala, March 1-10 and August 11-20: Participants will explore human rights issues, and study the effects of trade agreements on life in the countryside. Other topics: Mayan roots and spirituality, historical and political realities of Guatemala.
Peru: April 25,-May 5, 2016, May 24-June 3, 2016: The main purpose: to meet modern people of Incan ancestry, and to discuss their lives. The group will also visit Machu Picchu.
Mexico City and Chiapas: June 20-30: Participants, after a stay in the capital city, will see the importance of water projects and schools in isolated areas, the rural realities of Chiapas.
Programs range in cost from $1,200 to $1,400, not including international air fare, but covering all transportation within the particular country as well as accommodations and all but one meal.
For further details, which are far more extensive than the above short summaries, contact GATE at www.GATE-travel.org, or at 912 Market Street, LaCrosse, WI 54601-4782, phone 608/791-5283.
