In honor of International Women’s Day that is celebrated in March, I wish to introduce you to a marvelous woman, Martha Isabel Ruiz Corzo who is best known as Pati. As a teenager Pati played violin in the Queretaro’s City’s Chamber orchestra and settled into a successful career as a music teacher.  It was nearly 40 years ago when she and her family left the city and ventured off to embrace rural life in the mountains of Sierra Gorda.

Pati was soon disheartened to see that forests were depleted with trees getting cut down, fires were common and indiscriminate paths were popping up.  Rather than being moved to tears she was compelled to act. Soon she was engaging with her community and they started plant trees to bring back the forest and natural ecosystems. Today there are over 17,000 activists involved in these efforts. Pati also recognized the importance of educating children and with her accordion in arm she began touring the schools and singing with children while making learning fun. Today the are over 150 schools in the region whose teachers have integrated the eco program into the curriculum.

Pati’s journey was not without adversity and required great courage and perseverance as she confronted the mining and industry interests along with corrupt politicians and life-threatening risks. Through nearly four decades, her visionary leadership and ability to inspire others to get involved, led to the Sierra Gorda being turned into a national protected area and a UNESCO Biosphere with over 400,000 acres and 638 villages and protection of one third of the state of Queretaro. Pati was the recipient of the 2021 Gobal Citizen Award that honors individuals and organizations around the world who are taking action to shape a world that is fair, just, and equal.  

Martha Isabel Ruiz Corzo is one my newly discovered heroes and I wanted to share her story with you. If you have a few minutes, this video clip will give you a glimpse into the beautiful landscape and incredible transformation of Sierra Gorda as well as beautiful healing environments that have been created, including organic farming, and a deep respect and reverence for nature.

Martha shares her heart, “We believe in the way of love, persistence and the common good. I believe it is our chance to put together a miracle that may give us hope.”

Caregivers open their hearts, minds and spirits with vulnerability when companioning those who suffer, only to discover the reciprocal nature and transforming power of love. For as St. Francis reveals in prayer, it is in the giving, we receive and in healing, we are healed and in loving that miracles naturally unfold to bless one another.

Liz Sorensen Wessel