(ANS – Ciudad Juárez) – Salesians are working in Ciudad Juárez, one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The Church supports the national plan being promoted by the government.

 “In Riberas del Bravo there are no parks, no shopping centres, sports fields or public gardens.” This report leaves no room for doubt. In Ciudad Juárez there is still a lot to be done: “There are too many dangerous areas. The people are discouraged. They fear the police because of their aggressive methods. Violence in families is rampant. There are no public spaces.” So says the Salesian priest, Fr Juan Carlos Quirarte Méndez.  The local authorities have given him the task of studying some areas of the city which, for a long time now, have topped the list of the ten most dangerous places in the world.

The government has launched a Strategic Security Plan which now enjoys also the support of the Church.  Bishop José de Jesus Martinez Zepeda of Irapuato has asked the people publicly to support this plan and help to see it realized. In Ciudad Juárez, Fr Juan Carlos is right at the heart of the problems of Mexico. Twenty-five years ago the Salesians took the decision to work with young people in the riskiest areas of the country, along the border with the United States.

Ciudad Juárez, with 1.2 million people has been the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting in the drug wars between Sinaloa and Juárez. Between ten and twelve thousand people were killed in the years from 2007 to 2012. In recent years, however, the number of homicides has dropped, from 3,600 in 2010 to 1,000 in 2012.

It is here that four Salesians are working, running three oratories that are attended by a thousand young people. The activities are the traditional ones - sport, music, dance, and drama - but here they take on particular significance. “We work together with many other local organizations – this is our particular approach and it is our strong point.”  Fr Juan Carlos is convinced that on their own they would be going nowhere, and, for this reason, it is important to collaborate also with the State, including the police force.

Public institutions must not go against the people. Fr Juan Carlos says, “It is essential that the citizens recover faith in the institutions. This demands that they, in turn, do not act aggressively against the people and then abandon them to their own resources.” The Salesian community has been living in this area for 21 years, working always for the peaceful development of the people.

Published 21/08/2013