My way to the Fourth World Volunteer Corps
Since my childhood I have known that there are many people who do not have enough to live and who must rely on those around them in order to survive. This worried me and is why, years later, I wanted to give myself to the service of others and why I chose the religious path.
I come from a lower-middle class family in Mexico. We always lacked the essentials to live, but the courage and love of my parents allowed our family to get by. They taught us at an early age to have love and respect for those who suffer most.
At 17, I joined the seminary of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Mexico City, where I stayed for two years. I then went to Guatemala for three years to continue my religious training. In Guatemala I learned about the Fourth World Movement. I saw the "Street Libraries", which took place in the garbage dump in Zone 3, and I witnessed the dedication and affection with which young Fourth World Volunteers devoted their lives to the poor. I was greatly touched.
At the 3rd Americas Social Forum in 2008, held in Guatemala, I heard and met Marco Ugarte, a permanent volunteer of ATD Fourth World. I learned that he and his wife, Rosario Macedo, were taking the first steps to build the Movement in Mexico. Talking with them reaffirmed my conviction to continue my personal commitment to the poor, and I made plans to join them upon my return.
Back in Mexico, I started to participate in training sessions run by Marco and Rosario. My superiors did not want me to leave the religious path and they suggested that I spend a few months in the Dominican Republic. At that time I had a greater understanding of the objectives of the fight against poverty that inspire the International Movement ATD Fourth World.
On my return from the Dominican Republic, I joined the Mexican Association for ATD Fourth World and participated in TAPORI, the Movement’s children’s branch, integrating the "Street Libraries" team in the "Divisadero" neighborhood. Then I joined the Movement’s work building friendships with young people on the street. I also participate in the training, reports and programming team, as well as the various actions of the Association.
I am determined to continue my commitment to the poor because I am on their side. I know that the road is hard but beautiful at the same time. This is an opportunity to “do my best", as Father Joseph Wresisnki (1917-1988), founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World, would say. I have much to learn from the poorest and most excluded families and from the volunteers who joined the journey of Father Joseph…
I know that I will have to rise above obstacles to come, but I am inspired by the hope that one day mankind will be freed from poverty and exclusion and that my personal commitment has contributed to making this ideal a reality.
Mario Rodriguez Loreto / Mexico, April 2011
