In July 2015 our Saint Anthony Youth Mission team visited the tiny village of El Rosario, Patulul, a year after our first trip to Guatemala when we stayed at the Valley of the Angels Orphanage, founded by the late Father Rocco Famiglietti, OFM, who was such an inspiration to all of us who knew him. After two visits to assist at the Orphanage we were led to a tiny village outside of Guatemala City where we encountered the indigenous poor population and expanded our mission to help the residents of this village by making improvements to its small elementary school. Providentially we were introduced to this new situation by the teachers’ Rhode Island relatives who are Saint Anthony Parishioners. Over the years through the generosity of benefactors from the parish and beyond several physical improvements were made to the school which improved the quality of education. Through other donations of clothing, shoes, toys and graduation parties, the positive response on the part of the families resulted in an increased enrollment and a renewed interest in education. Father Rocco’s vision inspired us to make a difference in the lives of these poor people to motivate them to pursue their education and stay in their country to effect needed social transformation. Because of the global pandemic the public schools have been closed and learning curtailed substantially since these children have no computer access. Anyone following the crisis at the US border and its causes has been made aware of the critical food shortage in these poor towns of Guatemala making hunger an ongoing reality. Because of the commitment we made to this tiny village dedicated to the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary we are compelled to help alleviate the plight of these families in our own small way. Thus, we are currently researching alternatives wherein we can expedite shipments of non-perishable food items to El Rosario for distribution to the villagers through our trusted contacts. When the school reopens the children will once again receive a nutritious breakfast prepared by volunteers in the kitchen we had built three years ago. Please keep these intentions in your prayers. Thank you!
Father Ed