A Guiding Light?

We are all familiar with the story of Baby Jesus asleep in the manager with parents and a guiding star to provide protection, love, and care – every child’s need and hope.  Four year old Sergito’s and six year old Carlita’s story is very different. One day he and his sister walked hand in hand…

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Our New United States Citizen

On October 6, 2023 I was honored to attend the ceremony where our beloved Fr. Martin became a U.S. citizen. It was on his 19-year journey to citizenship that he was guided to a parish in San Jose, CA. where he was introduced to the Franciscans and found his vocation!  The citizenship ceremony was amazing as…

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Diabetic Education Program a Reality

Señor Gomez is a 53 year old diabetic with high blood pressure and resulting amputations of the right leg and left foot. He is one of 30 similar diabetic sisters and brothers that our new specially trained diabetic education team will follow. The hope is that, if taught to manage diabetes, their quality of life…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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