Posts by Mark Hiland

During COVID, with schools closed, the children of the poor were excluded from any form of instruction since they lacked all needed technology (tv, computers, internet and, in some cases, electricity). The Mission staff conceived a pilot project to address these impediments and we are very blessed to have it funded by a private Catholic…

Education is one of the few paths out of poverty for the marginalized children served by the Mission. While the Mexican government adopted education for grades 1-12, the new federalism gave states the obligation to manage schools. In some of the poorer areas, only 43.5% of 15 years of age have completed primary school. While…

With the help of our dedicated staff in Guaymas and generous donor gifts, our Mission helped more individuals in 2021 than ever before. Our team overcame the challenges associated with Covid-19 restrictions by taking the Mission’s services on the road. Bringing assistance to individuals, families, the elderly and children in struggling communities, our mission was…

My dear brothers and sisters, Imagine children who  have NEVER had shoes!  I am Fr. Martin, Director of the Casa Franciscana Mission in Guaymas, MX.  Each year we reach out to help the children as they prepare for school in the poor neighborhoods and migrant farmworker camps. Shoes are required for them to attend school…

Esperanza (her name means hope) is sleepy after the ten hour all night drive from Guaymas in a crowded van.  Soon after she was born, a heart defect was discovered.  Some say it was miracle that Casa Franciscana was able to get her to Phoenix where the good Shriner doctors from Utah were holding a…

Jose has cerebral palsy.  He was totally incapacitated and difficult for his family to care for him with his misshapen legs.  After treatment through the Shriners, he is able to walk with lightweight molded braces and special crutches that clip to his arms.  Jose is happy to attend school and to continue to receive treatment. …

Maria was born with one leg shorter than the other. As a toddler, she would not walk because it caused pain to her hip and she cried with frustration. Her mother heard about the Casa Franciscana trips to Phoenix for specialized medical care. She took Maria to our clinic where she was enrolled in the…

In 1984 the intrepid and visionary Brother Ivo came to the Casa Franciscana Mission.   His heart was moved by the many children he saw with disabilities who had no mobility aids and no resources.   These limitations often relegated the little innocents to a future life of begging.  With his knack for solving problems, his outstanding…

Did you know that the Casa Franciscana Outreach (CFO) has no staff with the exception of a contracted accountant.  In order to keep our administrative expenses low, allowing more money for direct services, may we suggest that you consider becoming a recurring donor.  This means that your desired amount (for example $15 per month) would…

A heartfelt thank you to Kevin Gralen who, after six years on the CFO Board and five years as president, is leaving us.  Kevin brought a special spirituality to the board with his ultimate example of living the Gospel – service to others.  In his words:  In one of the impoverished areas of the world,…