A New Church in Guatemala

Throughout Latin America, Our Lady of Guadalupe is revered with great devotion. Often, the love that people hold for her is the one thing that prevents them from wandering away to the sects, who are everywhere. In Guatemala, in the municipality of Tierra Nueva Dos, the local community is building a new church dedicated to her.

The number of Catholics is actually growing in this small municipality, which is plagued by unemployment, violence, and crime. Almost 600 people regularly attend Sunday Mass, and more are preparing for Baptism. Until now, however, they have been gathering in a makeshift hall, ramshackled and far too small. The faithful have organized tombola sessions and prepared homemade snacks for sale to raise money for their new church. Some have also donated building materials, such as steel and cement. In fact, the community has already started building — but without outside support, they will not manage to complete the chapel.

For this reason, their parish priest, Father Freddie Justo Lucena, has turned to ACN for help. He writes: “We are hoping very soon to have a proper church for our liturgical celebrations, so that the people can feel at peace in a fitting House of the Lord, and we can continue our work of evangelization.”

Meanwhile, the faithful are asking Our Lady of Guadalupe for help. Will you help the Blessed Virgin to fulfill their request? We have already promised them $91,700 so that the people of Tierra Nueva Dos can soon have a proper church of their own. Every little gift helps!

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