A chapel located in the Tarahumara mountains, in an indigenous community in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, “was reduced to nothing” after a devastating fire. Faced with this tragedy, the Catholic Church has requested help for its reconstruction.
Father Héctor Fernando Martínez, vicar of the Tarahumara Diocese, told ACI Prensa that in the early hours of November 26, a fire completely consumed the chapel of the indigenous community of Panalachi, in the municipality of Bocoyna. Inaugurated on December 12, 1969, the church had capacity for around 600 people and was under the jurisdiction of the Co-Cathedral of the Sweet Name of Mary, in Sisoguichi.
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The Chihuahua State Prosecutor’s Office determined that the fire It was caused by a short circuit. After the inspection, it was concluded that there were no deaths or injuries as a result of the incident.
Father Martínez explained that the community suffered deeply from the loss of the temple, since for many of these Rarámuris indigenous people, many of whom live in caves, the place represented “their home, the place where God calls them, summons them to do “the party that gives life.”
He also recalled the moving testimony of a man from the community, who, upon seeing the priest visibly affected, told him: “Father, do not cry, because we are the people, we are the Church. The temple fell, but we are going to raise it, because we, the children of God, the true children of God, are standing, we have not fallen.”
While reconstruction work is carried out, Masses will continue to be celebrated outdoors.
Help has been requested for the reconstruction of the building and, for those who wish to collaborate safely, Father Martínez indicated that they can make their donations through the Tarahumara AC Foundation, which also supports sports, community and health projects, especially in favor of children and pregnant mothers in the region.
The Sierra Tarahumara AC Foundation is receiving financial donations to re-erect the temple. Interested parties can make donations to:
ACCOUNT: 22000347065
CLABE: 014157220003470657
Bank: Santander
Subject or specific concept: Panalichi
For deductible receipt, send proof of deposit and CIF to the email: hecfer2525@gmail.com
Diego López Colin
I am a graduate of Journalism at the Carlos Septién García School with experience in religious institutional communication. Since 2016 I have been writing for digital media and, since 2018, I have reported the most important news about Catholic events in Mexico for the EWTN news channel. ACI Prensa correspondent in Mexico since 2023.