Renovation of a Formation House in Costa Rica
The monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe is in the city of Belén in Costa Rica, and it also serves as a formation house for the order of the Franciscan Friars Conventual in Central America. There are currently six brothers there, four postulants and two of them fully professed. But the monastery has space for 16. Its superior, Father Andrés Quesada Soto, has written to us: “We are hoping that the vocations apostolate will bear fruit in the coming years and that more young people will be interested in exploring the religious life by discovering our Franciscan charism.”
The monastery is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. This is something the friars see as a special grace. “We Latin Americans have a very special love for Our Lady of Guadalupe,” Father Andres says. “She is truly our advocate, and so the Catholic faithful entrust themselves to her in every kind of need. She is also a clear sign of the great love and tender concern that our good God has, above all for the needy. Like a true mother, she accompanies us and enlightens the path of faith. Her example obliges us to be signs of hope, peace, and unity among the nations.
It is a sign of God‘s providence that the postulants‘ house has this name. The Blessed Virgin is gathering young people from every part of Central America, who are willing to follow Jesus Christ and dedicate their whole lives to God as Friars Minor. Beneath the gaze of Our Blessed Lady, we take our first steps in the religious life. Going to seek refuge with her is the best school for becoming true disciples of Jesus. Many generations of Friars have been formed in this monastery and now joyfully live their vocation today, on behalf of the People of God in every part of society.”
But there is a problem. The monastery was built in 1988, and over the years, it deteriorated as a result of hurricanes and earthquakes. It now requires renovation. The building is not safe for the people who live there.
Father Andrés explains, “Our economic situation makes it very difficult to carry out the repair work that is needed. The congregation has to cover all the costs for the young postulants, and there is very little money left over for maintenance or repair.”
And so they have asked for our help in repairing the refectory. We have promised them $4,900, and they already thank you in advance for your help: “Thanks to you, it will now be possible for us to welcome the young faithful for many years to come. We will always remember you in our prayers and ask God, through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Francis of Assisi, to be with you and protect you from all evil.”
Will you join us in providing a new formation house for the religious of Central America?
Code: 215-04-19