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The spirit of global solidarity has united the parishes of Queenship of Mary and Santa Cruz. The parishes have shared many stories and experiences and have established a true friendship with the people of La Morena, a village within the parish of Santa Cruz, Chiquimula. The work of the partnership has been extended through the implementation of Amistad y Fe (Friendship and Faith), a microfinance program.
Amistad y Fe is a program of economic empowerment for the people of La Morena implemented by the Queenship of Mary / Santa Cruz Partnership. Friendship [ and Faith, is the underlying principle that guides this microfinance program and brings our communities together.
Amistad y Fe grew out of the expressed desire of the people of La Morena to be given the chance to grow and succeed through their own effort, creativity, and hard work. A microfinance plan was created in response to this desire by the Partnership and set into motion with the enthusiastic endorsement of the community leadership of La Morena. This program is intended to carefully foster this vision through microlending, formation and support. It is also intended to specifically support the longer-range goals of education, health and the vital role of women in the community.
Amistad y Fe is guided by a Leadership Body that consists of representatives from Queenship of Mary, Santa Cruz, La Morena, CCST (Catholic Charities Solidarity Team) and both pastors.
Historically, private lending institutions and government agencies have not provided financial services to potential borrowers in low-income areas, or they have done so at a very high interest rate and with great risk to the investor. Without access to financial services, the people of La Morena lack the resources to improve their standard of living.
We recognize the inherent value of the community, and the potential success that can be achieved through the creativity and work of each person. Microfinance loans through Amistad y Fe provide opportunities to our brothers and sisters in La Morena to use their skills and initiative to grow and succeed through their own efforts, and to become economically self- reliant. Businesses started or expanded by loan recipients also empower the community at large through increased employment and stimulation of local commerce. Improved family finances will allow better access to education, health care and food.
Click here for the Micro-Finance page of the Queenship of Mary webpage for more information