NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL REFUGIO MISSION

 On February 9, 2019, Fr. Tristan Abbott was installed as pastor of the SOLT mission, Nuestra Senora del Refugio in Nuevo Laredo, located in northern Mexico. Fr. Tristan follows the leadership of Fr. Anthony Anderson, who has served in Nuevo Laredo for almost twenty years. The celebration on February 9thhonored Fr. Tony who received two standing ovations in thanksgiving for his love and service to the community. During the Mass, Bishop Enrique Sanchez Martinez installed Fr. Tristan to succeed him.

Following his ordination on May 31, 2014, Fr. Tristan Abbott was assigned as associate pastor to the mission in Nuevo Laredo. The parish, Nuestra Senora del Refugio, also includes several mission churches. The main industry in Nuevo Laredo hinges on export/import of goods to the United States. It is the biggest land import to the US.

When Fr. Tristan arrived during the peak of summer following his ordination, he was warmly welcomed by the parish community. While he was working on fluency in Spanish, the people were very open to having him in their homes. Their support and warm embrace was very helpful for him to adjust to the new mission and his first assignment as a priest.

Moving forward, Fr. Tristan has ideas to build on the legacy and good work established by Fr. Tony. This year, the diocese is celebrating a Eucharistic Year and will have a Eucharistic Congress later this summer. For example, he may seek to increase Eucharistic adoration in the parish.