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September 13, 2018The church of Saint James the Apostle in Guatemala houses a small chapel dedicated to Blessed Stanley Rother. Next to the chapel is a small room where residents of this poor community receive the blessing of improved eyesight.
The vision program in Santiago Atitlan was conceived and initiated by a parishioner of Saint Joseph in Ada, Dr. John Garber, an optometrist. The program is sponsored by the Ada Lions Club International.
Dr. Garber’s wife, Mary, playfully calls the program “The Garber Plan.” Many eye missions throughout the world provide used eyeglasses, but this program takes it further. Dr. Garber’s project allows patients to select their own frames with the exact prescription.
One of Dr. Garber’s interpreters said the Mayan people appreciate the frame selections and accuracy of their prescriptions, resulting in patients wearing their glasses more frequently. In the parish, there are only three people who speak the Mayan dialect, Spanish and English. Many patients over age 20 only speak Tz’utujil, so the exams can be challenging.
Dr. Garber’s attempt to learn the language is appreciated by patients, even though it frequently results in friendly laughter.
Dr. Garber was generously given some used optical equipment that was in excellent condition. Dr. Garber contacted the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City for a possible Guatemalan church that could accommodate an eye clinic. The church in Santiago Atitlan was recommended. His patients are many of the parishioners that Blessed Stanley served.
The Garbers are accompanied by recruits from the Lions Club, church parishioners and fellow optometrists. Dr. Megan Slate has made seven trips to the Guatemala Eye Mission. The team provides eyeglasses for more than 120 patients per visit. Dr. Slate spoke of her love of helping the needy, but also how she simply loves the country and people of Santiago Atitlan.
“I am always in awe of Dr. Garber’s spirit and energy to serve so many people,” she said.
Mary Garber accompanies her husband on most of the trips to Guatemala.
“The people are so financially poor but are so devout and happy with their lives. They are so grateful and polite even though we speak a different language.”
Dr. Garber said the local people are the most religious people he has ever known.
“It seems to me that church is 24/7 in Santiago Atitlan. During Lent, their Stations of the Cross proceeds over three miles and is more than three hours long. I like calling it the true City of Angels,” he said. “Having the opportunity to walk 25 feet from the clinic and go the chapel of Blessed Stanley, where he was assassinated, is a humbling place for me to pray for his intercession in my life as I try to serve his people in my small way.”
The Saturday night Mass was held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. followed by a family praise and worship service that went to midnight. They do not have kneelers in the church, but most people spent the entire time on their knees.
Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
