By Father Greg Schaffer,
Pastor of La Parroquia San Lucas

Pat, with some flowers on a hill rising from the shore of Lake Atitlán.

"Walking with the people" is how Sr. Philomena Spencer, SNND, described the efforts being made in "integral human development" in
San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala. Fr. Phil Schotzko, while working in San Lucas, made the term a part of the parish’s mission statement.

Pat Howard, in this wonderful book, brings this statement to life.

Pat’s love for, insight into, and stories of the people of San Lucas speak to us of his walking with the people. He tells us what effect this "walking" has on us in chapter 7: "The fulfillment of my humanity comes from living and expressing the dignity that God has given me and celebrating this same dignity in others." He tells of special friendships developed during the walk (chapter 9). He speaks well of how the basic family unit, walking and serving together, makes a community strong (chapter 10). He also tells us that the road we walk with the people is a long one and will indeed demand walking for a long time (chapter 11).

The phrase "walking with the people" comes to life in Pat’s insightful stories and deep love for the people of San Lucas. Simply Grateful says so much – and says it all so well.