Violence and killings in Mexico

May 28, 2013

Once known as the murder capital of the world, Mexico’s Ciudad Juárez saw a 40% decline in murders in 2012. Between January and September, 681 murders were reported there, while not a low number by anyone’s count, the murder rate is still down from 1,571 during the same time in 2011.

An excerpt from an interview with Fr Kevin Mullins by Fr Peter Woodruff on how a parish community in a poor suburb of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico becomes a source of life for the broader civic community.

"I have seen so much drug related violence and killing and yet families seem to be so resilient. It’s as if they grieve ‘on the run.’ They quickly get back into life with a dogged determination. They do not let violence perpetrated by others destroy their lives.

It seems that everyone knows about the violence in Juárez but I see and hear the untold story of creativity, commitment to family, to work and to parish.

The rhythm of parish life seems to support families in their daily lives.

It is as if the relentless progress of the liturgical calendar, with its seasons and cycles, reflects, supports and steadies people as they take on their lives.

I have found that men, women and youth want to participate; they want to do things together.

They can also laugh in the midst of tragedy. Even though we do experience fear and see our hands trembling after being close to dangerous violence, we then find a way to make light of our situation. It’s inexpensive therapy I guess but I could not want for a better place to be a missionary priest.”