By Eugenio Amézquita Velasco
Translation: Metro News Mx
Translation: Metro News Mx
-Father J. Asunción Briones Barrientos leads the organization of a historic tribute to Cardinal Alberto Suárez Inda in Celaya.
-The event celebrates 75 years of scouting life in the city, coinciding with the movement's national centenary.
-Cardinal Suárez Inda, the first Cardinal from Celaya, began his spiritual journey as a founding Cub Scout in 1950.
- For Father Briones, scouting is an integral mysticism that decisively aided the vocational process of the man who is now a Cardinal.
-The legacy of Father Pedro Muñoz Izquierdo is remembered as the source of inspiration for current generations of scout chaplains.
-Scouting in Celaya has been a motor for social change, forming individuals committed to environmental protection.
-Father Briones maintains that religion is not an add-on, but the very essence of the scout commitment defined by Baden-Powell.
-The liturgical celebration will bring together former scouts, Guides of Mexico, and new independent groups under a single spirit of brotherhood.
-Jorge Eduardo Maldonado and Dr. Mariano González provide historical value with unpublished archives from the foundation.
-Cardinal Suárez Inda keeps his scout identity alive, always responding to his community's calls with the motto "Be Prepared."
Suárez Inda, the Cub Scout who reached the cardinalate of faith
The history of Celaya is written with strokes of service, with the knot of a neckerchief that unites earth with heaven, and with the testimony of men who, since childhood, understood that life only makes sense when given to others. At the epicenter of this narrative stands Archbishop Alberto Suárez Inda, the first native of Celaya to be elevated to the dignity of Cardinal, whose biography is inseparable from the 75 years of scouting our city celebrates today.
As a key informant of this spiritual and social feat, Father J. Asunción Briones Barrientos—affectionately known to his parishioners as "Father Chón"—leads us on a journey of gratitude and nostalgia. From his position as scout chaplain and parish priest of Our Lady of the Poor, "Father Chón" does not merely organize a tribute; he guards a fire that began burning in 1950 and today, in the midst of scouting’s centenary in Mexico, shines with renewed intensity.
Father Briones reminds us that scouting is not a cosmetic addition to faith, but a glue that binds a man's integrity to his divine duty. For Cardinal Suárez Inda, being a scout was not a transitory stage, but the foundation of his vocational process. That little Cub Scout from the founding pack in Celaya learned, through games and prayers, that the motto *Always Ready* (Be Prepared) is a disposition of the soul before the will of the Creator.
The chronicle of this brotherhood in Celaya is a parade of distinguished figures. "Father Chón" evokes with respect and affection Father Pedro Muñoz Izquierdo, a giant of scout chaplaincy who, while serving as vicar general of the diocese and parish priest in Apaseo el Grande, sowed the seed of scouting in young seminarians—including Father Briones himself. It was precisely Don Pedro who, with a vanguard pastoral vision, went to the seminary to invite young men to live this mysticism that "Father Chón" now carries in his blood.
In conversation with Guanajuato Desconocido-Metro News, Father Briones highlights a fundamental truth often forgotten in modernity: there cannot be a complete scout without religion. Citing the foundations laid by Robert Baden-Powell, "Father Chón" explains that scouting is inherently theistic. The three-finger sign, representing God, Country, and Home, is not empty symbolism; it is the roadmap for a person of integrity. The chaplain emphasizes that while the movement is not denominational in an exclusionary sense, it does demand the recognition of a Creator God in whom we live, move, and have our being.
Nostalgia arises when remembering those who have passed, such as "Father Chema" (José María Hernández), who founded the movement's bases after his experience at Montezuma Seminary. Dr. Mariano González Pérez and Mr. Jorge Eduardo Maldonado Lara, voices that are living history, complement this editorial account. They speak of a Celaya that in 1950, under the shelter of the old Colegio México, saw the birth of a pack that would transform the city's moral landscape. Cardinal Suárez Inda was part of that beginning—a Cub Scout who learned to track God's footprints in nature before tracking them in the souls of his diocese.
Father Chón, in his daily rounds through the streets of Celaya, carries the responsibility of keeping alive the groups that survived even the storms of the pandemic, such as Groups 5, 7, 9, and 10. His role as national chaplain for the former scouts (ANASMAC) places him as the perfect bridge between tradition and the future. He knows that every time the Cardinal asks to be invited to a scout event, he does so with the enthusiasm of one who never stopped being that boy who made his promise before Father Chema.
This report seeks to exalt not only the Cardinal's purple but the humility of the "Cub Scout." The upcoming celebration on January 17 is not just another social event; it is a liturgy of gratitude. It is the recognition of a man who, having reached the highest spheres of the Catholic Church, continues to respond to his chaplain's call with a "Be Prepared." It is the validation of a pedagogy of service that has formed exemplary citizens, nature lovers, and defenders of the common good.
Archbishop Alberto Suárez Inda, a favorite son of Celaya, represents the culmination of a scout ideal: the man who serves his country and his home from the altar of God. Thanks to the work of Father Asunción Briones, this story is not lost in the oblivion of archives but is celebrated at the table of brotherhood. Because, as "Father Chón" rightly says, scouting is carried in the blood, and when served with love, it is served forever.
On this anniversary, Celaya does not only look at its old photos and historical slides; it looks to the future with the certainty that as long as men like "Father Chón" and Cardinal Suárez Inda exist, the scout promise will continue to be a beacon of light in our society. God, Country, and Home remain the pillars of a city proud of its roots and its fruits, blessed by the intercession of the Immaculate Conception and sustained by the unwavering faith of its pastors.
Transcription of the interview with Father Asunción Briones Barrientos
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
Well, I have Father Asunción Briones Barrientos on the line. He is in transit, but using hands-free, so there’s no problem. He is the parish priest of Our Lady of the Poor here in Celaya. Father, I’m just calling to confirm that on January 17, I believe in the afternoon, there is a liturgical celebration—correct me if I’m wrong—where we are celebrating, or about to celebrate, 75 years of the Boy Scouts in Celaya, along with the presence of a distinguished scout who was a Cub Scout many years ago: I’m talking about Cardinal Alberto Suárez Inda. I know you are the scout chaplain, and obviously, this has great spiritual, social, and pastoral connotations. Thank you for taking the call, Father. What can you share about this great news?
Father Asunción Briones:
Hello, Eugenio. It’s a pleasure to greet you and your audience. Indeed, we are excited to prepare for this event because it falls within the centenary of scouting in Mexico and the 75 years here in Celaya, as you mentioned. In talking with the council, I felt it was appropriate to honor or recognize those who have left a mark in Celaya through scouting, specifically thinking of Don Alberto Suárez, because he has always stated that scouting marked his life and even helped his vocational process. I believe it’s worthy of recognition, an opportunity we shouldn't miss. There are others as well, like Lalo Maldonado. We currently have a list of about 15 people to be recognized, along with the four groups of the Scout Association of Mexico (ASMAC) that have persevered, especially through the pandemic, as we lost about three groups.
We will recognize those who persevered: Group 5C, Group 7, Group 9, and Group 10—those are the four active groups we have. Additionally, the Guides of Mexico are participating, as well as the former scouts of Mexico (ANASMAC), which is a younger association, about 25 years old here in Mexico. We are also inviting other independent groups that were born after the pandemic; they aren't part of ASMAC, but we consider them brothers because scouting is lived the same way; it’s the same mysticism. Speaking with the Cardinal, he assured us he could be with us. On Saturday the 17th, we will have the liturgy, and afterward, we will go to the school called "Col" on Tintoreto Street, very close to the parish. We knocked on doors at the municipality to see if they would lend us a hall at the Founder’s Park, but the red tape and requirements were very difficult, so we opted for a place that has been lent to us before for youth retreats. We expect about 100 people from the scouting world, and you are invited too.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
Thank you, Father. For those of us who have read the history of Baden-Powell—his experiences in the British Army in Africa—the history of scouting is very rich. But what strikes me is the role of the chaplain. There are distinguished figures of the scout chaplaincy here in Celaya, like the former Vicar General, Father Pedro Muñoz Izquierdo, who was rector of the Heart of Mary and later parish priest in Apaseo el Grande—a very exemplary priest. And now there is "Father Chón," very beloved and respected. How does chaplaincy fit into scouting? I know for Baden-Powell, the presence of God was very important. What can you tell me about this?
Father Asunción Briones:
Exactly. As you said, for Baden-Powell, religion was an integral part of scouting. That’s why we make the sign with three fingers; he always considered the mysticism of God, Country, and Home. We chaplains help the scouts—both the youth and the adults—fulfill our duties to God and Country. The chaplain’s role is to ensure the scout is a person of integrity and that the religious aspect isn't just an "add-on," if you’ll excuse the word, but something truly inherent to the scout.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
So, from what I perceive, spirituality is fundamental from the very foundations Baden-Powell laid out, right?
Father Asunción Briones:
That’s right, because there can be no scout without religion. Baden-Powell established this very clearly: an atheist would have no place in scouting. To be clear, scouting is not "confessional" in the sense that everyone must be Catholic or a specific religion, but it does require that we profess a religion and understand there is a Creator God by whom we live, exist, and are.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
Right, for those who have read *Scouting for Boys*, there isn't a page where he doesn't point out the scout's need for God. If someone is an atheist, it would be very difficult for their scouting to be complete.
Father Asunción Briones:
They wouldn't be able to live it fully. Recently, a branch of former scouts opened in Dolores, and I gave a talk adapting the Scout Law and principles to the Commandments of the Law of God. I think it turned out well because scouting is very close to Christian roots and values; the principles of scouting are the values we live in Christianity. We aren't at odds; we are very close.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
Perfect. So, we have the liturgy on the 17th. I want to congratulate the scouts, cub scouts, and guides for these 75 years in Celaya and 100 in Mexico. And having a "luxury" scout like Cardinal Alberto Suárez Inda—the first Cardinal from Celaya—is a milestone. It’s a blessing. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Father Asunción Briones:
Just that we will also have a posthumous tribute to Father Pedro Muñoz Izquierdo, who was a long-time scout chaplain. In fact, I am here because of him; when I was a seminarian, he came to the seminary to ask for a group of us to participate in scouting. Six of us joined, including Father Gabriel Samudio and myself. We fell in love with scouting then, and it’s in our blood now. So we will have that tribute for Don Pedro, who I believe was from Zinapécuaro.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
That’s right. Well, thank you, Father. Having the Cardinal there says it all. Having a Cardinal is a great blessing.
Father Asunción Briones:
He loves scout events. He usually tells me, "Invite me, and I'll tell you if I can make it." He honors the motto "Be Prepared."
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
Thank you, Father.
Father Asunción Briones:
Thank you, Eugenio. Blessings.
Interview with Mr. Jorge Eduardo Maldonado Lara and Dr. Mariano González Pérez
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
I have on the line a man who is living history in Celaya, a renowned Rotarian, Dr. Mariano González Pérez. He’s giving us a scoop. Before his illustrious appointments, Cardinal Alberto Suárez Inda was a parish priest and rector of the seminary in Celaya, but he was also involved in scouting. Dr. Mariano, tell us about this and the tribute to one of the greats of scouting: Cardinal Alberto Suárez Inda.
Dr. Mariano González Pérez:
Yes, scouting was a youth movement started by the former parish priest Rafael Lemus. He appointed Father "Chema" (José María Hernández) and Father Pedro as those in charge. They had founded the first movement at the Montezuma Seminary in the U.S. Along with the seeds planted by the Rotary Club and the "Vanguardistas" (a branch of the ACJM), we started the Scout movement. Important leaders included one of Cardinal Alberto's brothers, Jorge Suárez, and Mariano Guerrero. Scouting motivated historic changes in the city. On the religious side, it was my dear Alberto Suárez Inda and other scouts. On January 17, at the Church of the Poor, there will be a ceremony. Alberto was one of the most active in this movement. This movement has served to form people who love service and nature. We invite everyone to the Mass at 5:00 PM.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
So, this event is organized by Father Asunción Briones?
Dr. Mariano González Pérez:
Yes, this event highlights the importance of scouting in youth formation. "Father Chón" works hard to form youth in the vocation of scouting and environmental protection, something Pope Francis and the current Pope emphasize.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
Thank you, Doctor.
Dr. Mariano González Pérez:
I have Eduardo Maldonado here with me; he’s worked hard to maintain this movement in Celaya.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
If you could put him on the phone, I’d like to interview him too.
Jorge Eduardo Maldonado Lara:
At your service. I’m an old scout from the Celaya group founded in 1950. On September 22, 1950, the movement officially began with the promise ceremony at the old Colegio México.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
So, we are talking about 75 years of scouting in Celaya.
Jorge Eduardo Maldonado Lara:
Exactly. Currently, about four or five groups are active out of the ten that existed. There is the Scout Association of Mexico (ASMAC) and the former scouts (ANASMAC). Father Chón is the national chaplain for the former scouts. There are also independent scouts (ANSI) and the Guides of Mexico, founded by the wife of Baden-Powell, Lady Olave. They are all invited on the 17th.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
You are mentioning names with a lot of history. Lady Olave Baden-Powell, Father José María Hernández (who later became a Bishop), and Cardinal Alberto Suárez Inda. Also, the late Father Pedro Muñoz Izquierdo, who was a great figure in Celaya and loved astronomy.
Jorge Eduardo Maldonado Lara:
Correct. And I should add that "Father Beto"—as we affectionately call the Cardinal—was a founding Cub Scout from the very beginning.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
That’s amazing. I hope you can share some photos from that era with us so the historical memory remains.
Jorge Eduardo Maldonado Lara:
I have the original slides of all the photos taken by Raúl Rodríguez Arellano, the first troop leader. I’d be happy to share them.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
That is a treasure. You and Dr. Mariano are living history.
Jorge Eduardo Maldonado Lara:
Thank you. I’ll send you my contact info so we can meet and look at the photos.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
My space is at your service to promote what’s good for our city.
Jorge Eduardo Maldonado Lara:
Thank you. Happy New Year.
Eugenio Amézquita Velasco:
Happy New Year, Mr. Maldonado.
Dr. Mariano González Pérez:
Great to talk to you, Eugenio.
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