There are different ways of honoring someone who has died. Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia (3 November 1924 – 24 January 2011) died a little over a year ago. He was instrumental in building positive ecumenical relations between and among Mayans, Catholics and Protestants in the Diocese of San Cristobal de Las Casas, where he served for many years.
The top photo is of the Mayan altar that was used during the Fiesta at INESIN. It would have made me pretty uncomfortable years ago. But now I can see that this is a way of honoring a person, as we would at a memorial service in our church. We too use candles and flowers. The basked and bowl are filled with earth and water, respectively. The various colors of flowers and candles represent the cardinal directions. This is a way that Mayan folks honor Bishop Ruiz.
The lower photo is of our group from Illinois Maya Ministries along with Felix Ortiz-Cotto. We are standing on the foundation/slab/footing of a new building that is being constructed at INESIN. This is how North American Protestants honor someone who has died who was beloved and appreciated. IMM set a goal of a $10,000 to help build this building that will include an assembly room named for Bishop Ruiz. And we have met our goal and sent the $10,000. And we know that additional gifts have been sent by the Wisconsin UCC Conference, and by other donors.
INESIN is able to receive and benefit from various sorts of contributions to honor one of their spiritual founders.
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