Opinion: Mexican Independence Day - A Country in Need of Heroes

The future may brighten as the spotlight falls on everyday people who are making a difference

It's not even September 16 yet and commentators from inside and outside of Mexico have not been reluctant to throw cold water on the upcoming Bicentennial celebration of the nation's independence. While there are still drug wars and many forms of corruption, one program is putting the spotlight elsewhere - on Mexico's everyday heroes.Whatever pitfalls may be present in the campaign, every nation needs her heroes and Mexico can use some good news.

WASHINGTON, DC (Catholic Online) - The bicentennial of Mexican independence takes place on September 16 but celebrations have already begun and will continue past that date.

It all began in 1810 with a Catholic priest by the name of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a pastor in the town of Dolores, and a group of "Criollos" - educated locals of pure Spanish ancestry - who concluded that problems Mexico faced with their colonial government could only be solved by revolt.

On the evening of September 15, Hidalgo, who had already gained some notoriety for his lascivious lifestyle, gathered followers and declared war against the Spanish colonial government with what became known as the "Grito de Dolores" (the "cry of Dolores"). The next morning awakened to gun fire as the revolutionary army marched on the mining city of Guanajato.

Two hundred years later, any celebrations of independence have been choked by the news coming out of Mexico concerning continuing violence involving drug cartels, corruption in government, its various social problems and a national economy on the skids. In fact, 2010 may break all records in the number of killings related to the drug war as this conflict has already claimed close to 30,000 lives.

One bicentennial program that has taken a lot of heat recently is "Iniciativa Mexico" or "The Mexico Initiative" in English. The venture was begun by a group of prominent business leaders and large media companies, with the goal of lifting the spirits in the Mexican people during a period of overwhelming discouragement.

Tania Esparza, who serves as director of the initiative told interviewers that Mexico is a sad country, where people are both frustrated and discouraged. "We want to recover the idea that Mexico is a great country and it's our country, and that's why I think it's good to do something like Iniciativa Mexico in this time," she said.

Two personalities highlighted in commercials and other forms of media are Javier Aguirre, the coach of Mexico's World Cup soccer team and Mexican actress Salma Hayek.

Critics have taken shots at Hayek's participation since she now lives in the United States and is married to a Frenchman. Aguirre has also been a target after some negative remarks made recently about his native country.

The goal of this program, however, is not to tout Mexican personalities; it is to gather nominations from all over the country for everyday Mexican heroes, regular citizens who are making Mexico a better place to live by their influence in their families, neighborhoods, villages and towns. So far the initiative has received 47,000 nominations.

There are serious issues and critical problems in Mexico that must be addressed by a government and a people willing to do whatever it takes to bring recovery on every front. This is a moral pandemic continuing to attack the very fabric of Mexican society.

During this time of celebration and confrontation, I can think of no better way to give people new vision and new hope than to point to those within their own society who are making a positive difference. The Mexico Initiative, if given a chance, may help citizens across the nation begin to see their country with new eyes.

Many years ago I was invited to attend a special gala in the Philippines presented by a Christian School in Manila. The first half of the program included selections of Sacred and more contemporary Christian music. During the various pieces we were truly astounded by the excellence of the musicians, vocalists and dancers.

The second half of the program is the portion I will long remember. It was a celebration of the Filipino culture and history through music, dance and costume. I was not only impressed with the presentations but also the countenance of my Filipino friends, who beamed with joy and the right kind of pride regarding their unique heritage.

The Philippines was formed by pressures both bad and good; by oppression and opportunity. In particular, they can look at the missionaries who labored among them as powerful wellspring, bringing the Catholic faith to the islands.

Like it or not, every society. every culture is built upon a moral and spiritual fabric. We are inspired by those around us to incarnate virtue.

Whatever the reputation of some of the nation's founders, whatever the circumstances currently at work in the country, now is the time to look for everyday heroes among the people. Some may be prominent while others quite insignificant by comparison. Each one, however, is contributing to making their native land a better place in a very unique and specific way.

Just think what could happen when their names are made public and people across Mexico see that there are positive people and positive things going on. At that juncture, perhaps others will join and still others. In time, a new revolution - a moral and spiritual revolution - can actually propel the nation in a new and more promising direction.

This will sound naďve, idealistic and overly optimistic. So be it. I'll pray for Mexico and for those everyday heroes who are strengthening the country in so many ways. I'll will hope for a better tomorrow, where celebrations are no longer qualified with the warning, "Oh! But remember times are bad."

The results for The Mexico Initiative will be announced in November.

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