He has recently returned home, still with his suitcases unpacked from his journey that took him across the Atlantic once again. He travels light and it is usual that, in his travels around the world, he has a place to “lay his head,” and that place is Mexico. For a little more than a month—in which he also experienced Holy Week in a rural parish in Puebla—, Ángel Lucio Vallejo Balda (64), moves like a fish in water: he adapts naturally to different environments, always reflecting charity and sympathy. As a good Spaniard, he enjoys a good chat, companionship, and the table, whatever the reality that surrounds him, but with the distinction of a priest who seeks intimate moments of prayer in the temple, delves into the meaning of faith, and celebrates the sacred mysteries.
In this interview for this Infovaticana blog he shares his experience in Mexico, especially in the context of the centenary of the Cristero War, and confirms what we all know: when a foreigner gets to know Mexico, he can no longer be the same.
Thank you for this interview for our blog. What has been the reason for your recent visit to Mexico?
Ángel Vallejo (AV).- My presence in Mexico began nine years ago. The initial idea was to study the possibilities of developing the social work of the Spanish association Messengers of Peace, present in Mexico with reception homes for children that are functioning. Over time, many relationships with other foundations and social institutions developed, which we continue to maintain. The current purposes are to maintain this presence and make known what we do, create relationships that can help complement activities. The reality is that it is easy to love Mexico and make friends. I always feel at home and they are for me the face of this country. It is a very lively reality, very young and with a lot of enthusiasm. I usually say in jest that when we come from Europe, due to time differences, we suddenly rejuvenate a few hours. I think that my stays in Mexico always rejuvenate me without me realizing it.
–He is not unfamiliar with the reality of Mexico where serious problems of insecurity and violence are suffered. In what way has he accompanied, through the organizations he represents, the people who live these problems?
AV.- In my travels through the country, I move in the most problematic areas of Mexico City, where many Mexicans have not entered, and I have always found enormous hospitality and collaboration. Neighborhoods like Tepito, La Merced, Candelaria are part of my agenda. The groups I meet suffer the consequences of insecurity and violence firsthand. It is complicated to live, I would say survive, every day in these areas. Perhaps the most painful are the elderly men and women, some of them with very complicated lives, which makes them survivors of so many situations. It is very exemplary to see the dignity with which they live amid poverty and how they help their families as much as they can.
–In addition to the social aspect, as a priest, what pastoral activities did he carry out especially during the time of Holy Week and the first weeks of Lent?
AV.- It is inseparable, I am a priest and right away they ask you for everything. The first time I visited a nursing home in one of these neighborhoods, they explained to me that among the residents there were people of all religions and such things. Nothing to object to, no one has ever been denied attention because of what they think or believe. Shortly after, they had already asked me to celebrate Mass in their residence and no one was missing. We know that things in Mexico are won with the heart and that the response is always enormous.
-He has visited distant regions of the world and can have a point of comparison with our reality. What is his diagnosis of Mexico?
AV.- I feel very Mexican and there are many things that make me suffer. It is a country with great natural wealth and a population full of values; it cannot be that there are shortages and that absurd situations of violence are experienced. Many deaths and, above all, many missing persons, there are many families who suffer; not a day goes by without someone telling you about some misfortune. They are very harsh situations from the human point of view; with faith we are capable of bearing them, but you never get used to them. In these days I have helped a priest in the diocese of Puebla, in Atenco; it has been an exhausting but unforgettable experience. Being able to share a few days with families mostly farmers, from corn cultivation, being able to spend time with them, get to know their families, see the excitement in their eyes. This is an area of emigration to the United States with all the nuances that this has at this moment.
–In this time that he lived in Mexico, what lessons of faith could he highlight, especially in the context of the centenary of the commemoration of the Cristero War?
AV.- He has had the pleasure of visiting Jalisco, one of the lands of martyrs, and it is impressive the devotion there is to them. Many are diocesan priests and I feel a pride in my body when I see their statues in the squares, considered as what they are, great saints and martyrs. The consequence is that there is a natural affection for the priest; just be on the street and everyone greets you with affection without knowing you. I think all this is the fruit of the martyrdom of many of their priests who continue to exercise their ministry from heaven; it cannot be explained any other way. Visiting the cathedral of Guadalajara, “I suffered the assault of a penitent” who was looking for a confessor; I didn’t dare tell him no, I will always remember his sympathy and his sincere confession. The invitation to dinner was not lacking; too bad, it was not possible. And I could tell a thousand and one anecdotes every day.
-How do you see the Church in Mexico?
AV.- My work moves more in a civil sphere and I do not have much relationship with Church institutions. It is evident that I know and consider myself a friend of a good number of priests of whom I have an excellent impression. There is a shortage of priests, that is noticeable; I can say that, if you let them, they take advantage of you. There is always a lack of time to help in parishes, to attend to those who ask you to visit the sick. Baptisms, funerals, celebrations are never lacking, and all united always with a family invitation to the table. The devotion to Guadalupe fills everything, it is noticeable in every pore of the skin. When I arrive or say goodbye, I always go to celebrate at Guadalupe; it is always an incredible experience.
-Would you like to leave a final message to our readers?
AV.- That they be generous. It is the way to win God’s heart; when we give more, we receive much more. I am not talking about money, but about time; dedicating time to others is always very rewarding. It is not that helping with financial resources is bad; they are always necessary, but dedicating time from our life costs more. When I ask friends to accompany me on some visits, it usually does them a lot of good and they continue to collaborate.
