The History of our Sister Parish Relationship

Upon the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the parish, the parish committed to twinning with a parish in another country. The archdiocese, through what is now known as the Office for World Mission, suggested a parish in the diocese of San Cristobal, Chiapas.


The director of our archdiocesan office had a long-standing relationship with a priest who served there under Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia, who was well known for his work among the indigenous people of Chiapas. San Ildefonso was selected. A number of Catholic and other churches in Wisconsin have developed sister parish relationships in the region.


Groups of SSPP parishioners began visiting San Ildefonso in 1990 and visited annually until 1994. On January 1, 1994, an uprising known as the Zapatista insurrection broke out in various places within the region. Indigenous peoples and the Mexican government struggled over land ownership disputes and the anticipated implementation of the North American Free Trade Act (NAFTA). The unrest made safe travel questionable. Tenejapa was spared most of the serious confrontations, but battles were waged not far from there, and travel through the region to and from Tenejapa was often interrupted. Priests and parishioners from San Ildefonso continued, however, to make annual visits to SSPP throughout the conflict. In January, 2000, visits from SSPP resumed.
 Our sister parish relationship with San Ildefonso is helping our sister parish to fulfill some of its own goals. In the early 1970's, a congress of indigenous people was held, organized by the San Cristobal diocese.
At this congress, commitments were made to enhance church practices which reflected the beliefs and values of indigenous members, to develop their agribusinesses, including support for the development of cooperatives, and to help them gain access to the world market, including securing just prices for their crops.
 We see these efforts reflected in many of the contacts we have had with our sister parishioners, and through the fulfillment of these goals we play a significant role in the life of their parish.