San Antonio Parish, Guatemala

On the outskirts of Guatemala City lies the San Juan de Dios Sector, an area with high rates of violence and extortion. Here, in the midst of challenging conditions, our parish carries out a work of spiritual and human accompaniment, guiding boys and girls in their preparation for the sacrament of First Communion. This stage of formation is crucial to identify and understand some of the needs and difficulties faced by our community. In order to get to know the reality of the families more deeply, we make home visits and visits to sick people. This allows us, as Pope Francis reminds us, to “Listen with the ears of the heart”. This close and compassionate listening reflects the humble style of God, who, in listening, recognises man as his interlocutor and shows his inclined love for each person. Inspired by this vision, we strive to pay attention to who we listen to, what we listen to and how we listen. In this way, we grow in the art of communicating, which is not based on a technique, but on a “capacity of the heart that makes proximity possible” (Evangelii Gaudium, 171).

Community Challenges 

In addition to violence and extortion, one of the most pressing problems is water scarcity. Families must be attentive to the time when water is available to store it and ensure its use during the day. They also use these times to wash their clothes. In many households, when parents go out to work, children are left alone. Some parents are unable to attend parish meetings because of their work schedules, especially those who work on Sundays, as is the case with many single mothers. We have seen that some of these mothers, in order to survive, sell tortillas on a daily basis. Despite these difficult realities, we go forward in our mission with joy and dedication, striving to give the best of ourselves. We commit ourselves not only with our spiritual contribution, but also with our presence and closeness. Whenever possible, we also offer food to the families who need it most.

The Richness of Simplicity 

The community of San Juan de Dios is made up of simple and welcoming people, who have expressed their gratitude to us as they feel supported and accompanied. We also receive much from them: their hospitality and gratitude enrich us. We thank God, our community and our parish priest, who give us the opportunity to share this mission with people who give us a lot with their gestures and generosity.

Collaboration in the Parish

In addition to our work in catechesis, we support other parish activities. This mission allows us to collaborate and share with various pastoral ministries and with the sisters of the Oblate Congregation of the Heart of Jesus, who contribute to the growth of faith and the well-being of the community. For Christ, the Church, and the brethren go forward, always forward.