Directorate of Social and Business Communication.                                        Matamoros, Tampalipas, Mexico

To the people of The Mezquital Islands who lost their homes in Hurricane Emily.                       May 11, 2008

Erick Silva and the Indian Bishops hand over                                                                                   Bulletin 210H

some of the houses in the "Mar Thoma Colony”.

 The mayor of Matamoros, Erick Silva, and a group of Bishops from India gave 90 houses to the families of the Mesquital that were devastated by Hurricane Emily. With this, one act was demonstrated that both communities understood that the service provided to these poverty-stricken individuals was a reflection of a job with high feelings of humanity.

The houses that were constructed by this Christian Community forms part of a colony named “ Mar Thoma Colony”, that is located on the 18.5 kilometer by the highway that runs to Port Mesquital, today known as Puerto Matamoros.

For this function the mayor of Matamoros, was accompanied by his wife Maria Castaneda de Silva and the local deputy Alfonso Sanchez Garza.

Upon his arrival to the “Mar Thoma” Colony, Silva Santos was greeted by the Indian Community. Individuals came all the way from India to participate in the festivities and observe the exchange of the keys, while others came from all over the United States of America. They were dressed in their traditional Indian clothes and accessories.

The President of the Municipality of Matamoros was accompanied by his wife Marisa Castaneda, and by the Global Bishop of the Orthodox religion “Philipose Mar Chyrsostom” whom in his 90 years of age has provided services for people in need all over the world.

Also present for the festivities were Bishop Joseph Mar Thoma and Euyakim Mar Coorilos. The construction of each house costs approximately $5000.00.

After the exchange of the keys to the families who lost their homes that had been in the path of Hurricane Emily, the President of the Municipal government gave his gratitude to the religious mission that brought help to this much needed community.

This event speaks about two sister cultures like Mexico and India “two communities that understand the providing help for those in need is the most important”.

Silva Santos added, “today all the governments of the world should be humble governments with a social sense; for those governments that worry for those who have less, that is why we give thanks to you and your religious community on behalf of me and my wife.

The President of the Municipal invited all the Indian people to get to know Matamoros because it is a city rich in history, generosity, and tradition. It is full of nice and cordial people who will always appreciate the support they have offered to the people of the Mesquital.

The “Mar Thoma Colony” also has a sewing school, a technical school, and other salons that will increase the quality of education to the families of the Mesquital.