After three editions, the book went out of print in 1996. Responding to continuing interest and the confirmation by the Guatemalan Truth Commission of the atrocities committed in the 1980s, the Maryknoll Sisters are issuing a limited number of copies of What Prize Awaits Us.

May 13, 1980

When I went to pick up my mail at the post office today, I was greeted with: “Isn't it awful about the pastor of Santa Lucia?” “What about him?” I asked. “He was shot crossing the plaza.” I stared in disbelief. “When?” I asked. “Today. I just heard it on the radio.”

Walter! I last spoke with him on Friday after the Mass for Conrado de la Cruz and Herlindo. . . . He was a tall and lanky Belgian who stood out above the rest. I called him, got his attention and a big grin of recognition. . . . And now he's dead! . . . (He) had not only taught in the Atitlan Radio School leadership program, but also worked in his parish to set up agricultural cooperatives. He had supported the cane-workers’ strike and preached strong sermons on social justice. . . . So, two Missionhurst priests from two different countries have given their lives for their flock. I can only wonder who will be next.

*Filipino Missionhurst priest and sacristan, abducted after May Day celebration in Guatemala City.

In Guatemala, as in some other Latin American countries, recruitment resembles a roundup of wild horses. Young men, off to market or coming from church on a Sunday morning, are chased by recruiters or soldiers. They are grabbed, beaten, kicked, tied up, and carried off to the army base, where they are reduced to obedient automatons. They are taught to despise their Indian languages and culture and to hate Communists. Without a clue as to what Communist really means, the usual soldier believes that “Communist” equals “enemy” and that “Indian” is close to “Communist.” . . . Daily, the newspaper details horrors that should be unspeakable, pictures that ought to be unprintable. . .

I want to cry over the hypocrisy of our American leaders. Why do they just shut their official eyes and ears in the face of the truth from some countries, like those in Central America . . . ? . . . In the name of fighting terrorism we teach the armies and police of Central America to terrorize their own people.