Pope Francis, December 25, 2013
From a Jesuit Seminarian who stayed at the Casa . . .
“I went to teach catechism with Sisters Angeles and Teresa in the Santa Julia Colonia. It is far off and known for its high crime rate. Many houses are built precariously along the hillside, and this colonia has undergone very little development as the years have passed. We visited two hardworking families first. They were very warm and generous to us.”
“We finally reached the Center, a small building with three classrooms and a large field. The Sisters told of the problems they have had with theft and vandalism even though the rooms are very simple. It was living in extreme poverty or in very desperate situations which led to all this, I thought.”
“I was asked to share my vocation story with the kids and was not sure how they would receive it, my reality being so very different from the one they were living. Certain things are universal, such as love for God and a calling to make something meaningful out of one’s life no matter social status. The students listened attentively and asked lots of good questions. At the end of class, we went outside to play soccer, girls versus boys. Girls beat us 11 to 6! This was a great experience which I can share with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am grateful to God and to the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for the priceless work that they do.”
Special Requests
The need continues for:
- School Supplies, shoes and socks for children
- Staple food, vitamins
- Toilet paper, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo
There is always a GREAT NEED for STAPLE FOOD and the BASICS — the everyday supplies we take for granted.
Taking used clothing across the border is impossible. Please, no women’s clothing.
Thank you for your kindness this month
We sent $18,068.50 to our Franciscan Missionaries (from 47 donors). Monsignor 
Dennis reports that “San Rafael Parish collected a MOUNTAIN of school supplies for the Casa; it took the truck three border crossings to get everything there!”
Thank you San Diego Foundation for $1,000 from an anonymous donor and another $5,000 from another generous donor. Thank you for all the other gifts of bedding, school supplies, food, and miscellaneous items. We are grateful for so many giving people. Your donations brighten the lives of those who come to the Casa. They thank God daily before breakfast for the special blessings that YOU make possible in their lives.
The Casa is a refuge — and a place that provides hope for the future
By feeding the hungry, the Nuns are not promoting the status quo. The old and infirm have no other means of food, comfort, and support as we do in the U.S. via Social Security, SDI, various charitable agencies, food banks, etc. For those younger and of middle age, the Casa is a transition haven until they find a job. School increases dignity in the young children by giving them a proper education in the “3 R’s” while the Sisters instruct them in the important tenets of our Faith. The Nuns (via your donations) help and assist over 500 students.
We have NO EXPENSES. Every dollar you donate goes directly to serve the poor. Tax receipts are available upon request. NO ONE IS EVER TURNED AWAY AT THE CASA. PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE PEOPLE.
May God bless you for your faithful generosity
August 2015 Report
“Learn how to savor how good the Lord is.” Psalm 34, 9
During the month of August, we have been very active and busy doing 
maintenance to the Casa complex. There are always many details that need attention to keep this place in good condition and presentation to receive and serve the people that come here.
Everyone has done his or her task as assigned around, and worked happily and thanking God for a time of vacation to rest and be closer with family. The drivers have taken turns each week to do the runs and pick up the bread, donated food and school supplies. We are distributing handouts of this food and bread and sending to colonias. Our Doctors see some patients in their own private offices, and so urgent needs are met.
We thank everyone participating in these projects this month, as well as our friends and benefactors for their loving kindness. We pray for abundant blessings upon all.
Sisters and all the People at La Casa de los Pobres