News Release #334

Released May 9, 2001

New Ulm, MN - Msgr. Gregory T. Schaffer, native of the New Ulm Catholic diocese, now serving as pastor of San Lucas Toliman, a parish located in the highlands of Guatemala, is the recent recipient of an international award known as Anonymous Heroes Working for Peace Through Development (Héroes Anónimos en el Marco de la Cultura de la Paz). This prestigious award was presented April 20, 2001, by several local entities in Guatemala including the local consulate of the United Nations, and Bancafe, an agricultural trade and economic development institution. These agencies have joined together to recognize community development efforts that lead to peace. The award was established only several years ago. Msgr. Schaffer is the third recipient.

Although the award is presented to an individual, Msgr. Schaffer is first to point out that the recognition credits the efforts of many people working together to make a difference. "One person can do nothing, he said. It is the work of many individuals and agencies that have a powerful effect on the future good of the community."

The award ceremony was held at the San Lucas church plaza and was attended by representatives of the

United Nations, Bancafe, the diocese of Solola, and over 1,000 community members. Guatemalan news outlets and CNN provided media coverage of the presentation.

Msgr. Schaffer and three other priests have served the community and surrounding area of San Lucas Toliman for over 35 years. The social and economic development projects that have evolved over the years include schools, a health center (hospital, clinic, dental center) and an orphanage. Agricultural projects include trees, as a sustainable resource, coffee, and several other vegetable cash crops. One of the most significant undertakings has been the purchasing and redistributing of land. Small communities are emerging with over 200 families who have established land ownership and are now building their own homes and becoming small agricultural producers. The number of these small producers continues to increase in the region with the help of many supportive agencies and the central coordination of the leaders of the parish of San Lucas.

Contact Paula Marti, diocesan Director of Communications to make arrangements, (507) 359-2966.

Msgr. Schaffer has traveled to Minnesota with a family from the San Lucas area who is seeking medical assistance for two of their children with congenital eye disease. Two eye physicians from Hutchinson coordinated the medical procedure with another physician from the University of Minnesota. The entire medical team is volunteering their assistance.