Coronavirus has significantly changed the way Medical Missions are carried out. In this interview given to the communication office in Germany, Fr. Bennet Tierney LC talks about how they will continue with this important apostolate.
For many years, “Medical Mission Network” has been organizing medical missions in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. But when the coronavirus crisis began two years ago, all plans changed. Father Bennet Tierney LC, founder of Medical Mission Network, discusses why this difficult time has not meant stagnation and how they plan to continue.
For two years, no medical team from Germany has been able to travel to Mexico. How did Medical Mission Network survive this crisis?
P. Bennet: We used the time to expand our German team and redistribute tasks. Now we can respond more flexibly and pursue new objectives. Of course, we had to be very patient, but we never lost our optimism. During this time, we also realized that the mission remains very important and meaningful.
What does that mean?
P. Bennet: We need to look back to the beginnings of Medical Mission Network. We used to go to Quintana Roo once a year with a group of doctors to provide medical assistance to the rural population. But we quickly realized that this was not enough: such a project requires continuity, doctors on site, who are there constantly for the people. We have been working for years to build a Mexican team, and we have succeeded. Now we have seven permanent doctors and many assistants attending to numerous villages in Quintana Roo. Therefore, the people there were able to receive medical care even during the coronavirus crisis, although we could not organize a single mission with German doctors. This would not have been possible if we had not set the course years ago. Thus, our mission has proven its worth.
Is there still a need for doctors from other countries to support the Mexican team in Quintana Roo?
Bennet: Absolutely. Although the project is firmly established in Mexico, the need in the villages remains great, as public healthcare cannot keep up. It is a big step forward that doctors are now working there permanently. But there are still very few for this vast area. Above all, the urgent need for specialists remains. Additionally, there is another aspect: the project also involves exchange, working within a network. Doctors come into contact with colleagues from other countries and learn from each other. And all participants see, in this teamwork, that they are connected across borders. This demonstrates that Medical Mission Network is an international project of the Regnum Christi family.
Is it possible to resume medical missions in Mexico?
P. Bennet: Yes, in principle, it is possible. For a while, due to the coronavirus, Mexican authorities did not allow the arrival of foreign doctors, but now things are different. But for me, it is important that our team can work under reasonably normal conditions. For the moment, we could only go to villages wearing protective gear. And to endure this in the heat typical of the area, you need a very robust constitution. Also, of course, the mask and protective suit make direct contact with patients more difficult. I hope we can organize an operation with German doctors again in October. The decision will probably be made shortly, but I am very optimistic. By the way, I have another good news: we might soon organize missions in Tanzania (East Africa).
How is the medical mission in Tanzania being planned?
P. Bennet: We have long been in contact with the Sisters of the Holy Spirit in Mammolshain. This order is also active in Tanzania and operates a clinic in the Kilimanjaro region, in the town of Sayan Juu. There, urgent support is needed, and we already have a place to work. On February 13, a visit was made there with a small team of doctors. We would like to explore the situation and see how we can establish our project there. We are planning to carry out our first major mission with German doctors there within a year, that is, by February 2023. We will update on new developments on our website and Facebook in a timely manner. In any case, we are very happy to have a new goal and soon continue, both in Mexico and in Tanzania.
