Samuel Ruiz

This Monday Samuel Ruiz died. He was an extraordinary man, one of these men who have hope in another world, a possible, more just world. A good man, warmhearted. I met him in San Cristobal de las Casas during his last year before retirement. The Autonomous University of Barcelona awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1997…that his memory continue to feed hope! (Victor Hernandez)

I hardly know what to say as I try to assimilate this news of the beloved “Tatik” Samuel Ruiz (an affectionate name given by the Indigenous of Chiapas for their pastor of more than 40 years). He walked with them through oppression, injustice, repression and poverty—all the while providing them the tools to make possible another world of peace, justice, safety and sustainibility. An active participant in Vatican II, a voice of encouragement for the Theology of Liberation at the Medellin conference of Bishops in 1968 and a staunch defender of the poor indigenous both in Guatemala and Chiapas during the brutal repression during the 80’s and 90’s. His chosen theme as Bishop of Chiapas was: Edificar y Plantar (Edify and Plant). Y aludiendo a su lema, así terminó su homilía el 25 de enero de 2010, en sus bodas de oro episcopales, en la Plaza Catedral: (Alluding to this theme last year during his 50th anniversary celebration of his ordination he said: “Damos infinitas gracias al Señor, Trino y Uno, por habernos hecho hijos suyos y por habernos llamado como pastor de su Iglesia para edificar y plantar su reino de justicia, de amor y de paz” (We give infinite thanks to the Lord, Three and One, for making us his own children and for having called us as pastor to his Church to edify and plant his kingdom of justice, love and peace.”)

We will miss you. Rest in peace.