The COVID Forgotten Ones

As we celebrate the transitus of St. Francis October 3rd, both Fr. Tommy and I are, in a way going through a transitus, change from one life to another.  While at the Casa Franciscana in Guaymas, Tommy developed a calling for the people of Honduras.  He listened to their stories and saw the circumstances of the…

Read More

Celebrating the life of Brother Ivo Toneck

Br. Ivo Toneck, OFMDecember 5, 1927-February 29, 2020 On Thursday evenings, Ivo and Gerard would join us for Mass and dinner.About six months ago, Ivo made his usual Thursday arrival in his beat-up pickup truck, would take a seat in our living room and enjoy his beloved Coca Cola while discussing with us the latest…

Read More

Mission Youth Center Opens with Full Funding for Three Years

In November 2017, Casa Franciscana Mission staff went door-to-door to approximately 400 homes in four barrios (neighborhoods).  The goal was to identify the unmet needs in these communities. The lack of resources for those aged 12 to 18 years was lamented over and over.  As the result of a developed business plan and fundraising effort,…

Read More

Fathers That Carry A Heavy Cross

Fathers that Carry a Heavy Cross

Guaymas, Mexico – The heavy cross of being a father in the ghetto is overwhelming. The average wage in the communities served by the Casa Franciscana Mission is 85 pesos (less than $5.00 U.S.) a day.  That is for those lucky enough to be employed!  Like all fathers, they just want to be able to take care of their…

Read More

San Carlos Community Helps the Mission

San Carlos, Mexico – As the winter community members of beautiful San Carlos prepared to return to the United States and Canada for the summer, they generously purchased 175 kilos (about 385 lbs) of meat for the Meson de Jésus, the Mission’s adult dining room. Maggy Murray, Carol Cisneros, Sharon Ahern and Anna Klein are the engines…

Read More

Honor Your Mother by Helping

Mother caring for children with Muscular Dystrophy

Honor your Mother by helping. She would be very pleased!! Guaymas, Mexico – Meet just a few of the mothers who are part of the Casa Franciscana Family.       Elionay is a grandmother who cares for her eight grandchildren ranging in ages from 6 to 16.  Two of the boys, 15 and 16 years…

Read More

Mothers Day at the Mission

As Mothers Day approaches, my thoughts turn to Mary.  Knowing the love of my own mother (one of my many blessings), my heart breaks as I think of Mary watching the suffering of her Son during the passion and not able to help Him or comfort Him.  And what unspeakable grief she must have experienced…

Read More

Bob Urian Receives Highest Honor

Bob Urian Receives Highest Honor by the Franciscans

On March 23rd, Bob Urian, former President of the CFO, was conferred with the Franciscan Spiritual Affiliation Award.  This is the highest honor bestowed on a lay person and brings with it the privilege of sharing all the spiritual aspects of the Province of Santa Barbara.  When asked what was his greatest memory of the…

Read More

Fifty Mayans Rescued

While enjoying a late lunch, Br. David informed me that about fifty indigenous Mayan migrant farm workers from Chiapas, the southern-most state in Mexico that borders Guatemala, showed up in the central plaza of Guaymas around midday. Someone from the municipal government called Casa Franciscana to see if we had enough food to feed them.…

Read More

October 2017 Pilgrimage

A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place.  However, one does not have to go abroad to Rome or Assisi or Fatima for this life changing experience.  Guaymas at sunset If you are seeking an affordable opportunity to renew or deepen your relationship with God, to grow spiritually or to witness Christ at work, join us October…

Read More