We are taking a look for a day into the life of Casa Hogar La Gloria, the orphanage that the Augustinians of California run in Tijuana and which on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe marked three important events in its history: its connection to the Virgin Mary, its 50 year anniversary as a centre of hope on the other side of the border and the celebration of Maritza's fifteenth birthday.
To the decorations, the snacks, the drinks and the alleluias that spread throughout the country on December 12th, the feast of the Virgin Mary, you must add Maritza's joy. Standing In front of the mirror, she dresses and readies herself with care, touching the frills of her skirt and smiling at the feel of her fluffy satin skirt.
She is going to celebrate her fifteenth birthday. What was once a formality that families used to carry out when celebrating that their daughter was of marriageable age, today endures as part of a tradition that, according to Patricia Garland, Treasurer and Member of the Board of Directors of Hogar Infantil, symbolises the passage to maturity and family ties.
Patricia has been a volunteer at this home that takes in ‘orphaned, abused, neglected and abandoned children in Tijuana’ since 2015. Maritza arrived at the age of three with a profound cognitive disability. ‘Although she can't speak, her joy and her ability to overcome her disability touches the hearts of all who know her. She is a true blessing from God, an inspiration, who teaches us invaluable lessons of perseverance, joy, compassion and patience’, Patricia tells us shortly after the end of the celebrations of the Guadalupana.
A big anniversary party
More than 100 people are present. They include former co-workers, new friends of the Children's Home and even former students who once called the orphanage home. These former residents, now adults, returned to celebrate their ‘sister’ and offer prayers for her health and happiness. The gathering was a powerful testimony to the enduring family bonds formed at Casa Hogar La Gloria and the strength of a community united by love and faith.
Presiding at the Mass were Father Kirk Davis, Fr. Maxime Villeneuve, chaplain of St. Augustine High School in San Diego of which the orphanage is a charitable work, and Brother Arturo Renteria.
‘Maritza's life is a living testimony to the power of care, compassion and faith, and we are honoured to have her as part of our family. May Our Lady of Guadalupe continue to guide and bless this sacred mission for many years to come’.
Casa Hogar La Gloria is just 6 kilometres from the United States, where a very different reality can be seen on the other side of the fence. The home, as its website states, stands as ‘a beacon of hope and compassion’, a testimony to Christian charity that transcends borders and to the power of faith and devotion.
‘Our mission is to provide food, shelter, medical care, education, social development and Catholic religious formation in a safe and loving environment’.
It is a Mexican non-profit organisation run by a board of leaders from the Tijuana community. Casa Hogar La Gloria was established through the vision and dedication of volunteers and the unwavering support of the Augustinian community of San Diego. For nearly 50 years it has ensured that the orphanage thrives as a sanctuary of care and hope for children in need.
The home can accommodate up to 30 children. Currently there are a dozen infants alongside boys and girls up to 13 years old. While some of the children are orphans, most come from very difficult family circumstances, such as abuse, neglect and abandonment. Since its founding in 1975, Casa Hogar La Gloria has cared for hundreds of children, giving them the opportunity to heal and grow in a nurturing environment.
Casa Hogar La Gloria is supported by a California non-profit corporation which, under the name Hogar Infantil inc (501(c)(3)), raises the funds necessary to support the orphanage. It is now governed by a board of committed Augustinians and lay people who ensure that all donations, the main source of income to support this work, go towards the operational needs of the orphanage.
A lifeline for vulnerable children in Tijuana: the role of the friars
Through this unique structure of collaboration and shared responsibility, Casa Hogar La Gloria has become much more than an orphanage. It is a community rooted in faith, compassion and love, offering children the opportunity to reclaim their lives and build a better future.
The Augustinian friars attend to the pastoral and spiritual needs while overseeing the activities of the orphanage. The volunteers, in turn, contribute to the care and support of the children.
This milestone marks the enduring partnership between the Province of the Augustinians in California and this beloved orphanage, which has provided shelter, education and care to countless children for decades.
Founded in 1975, Casa Hogar La Gloria began with the vision of a small group of the faithful in Tijuana who sought to create a safe haven for orphaned and abandoned children. Recognising the urgent need for support, these dedicated founders contacted the Augustinians, who at the time were building a low-income housing complex in San Ysidro, just across the border. The Augustinians answered the call, bringing their mission of service and their commitment to living the Gospel to this fledgling orphanage.
Over the past 50 years, the partnership has become a lasting legacy of faith in action. The Augustinians have provided spiritual guidance, financial support and practical involvement, helping Casa Hogar La Gloria to thrive despite many challenges. From ensuring that the children receive an education to facilitating vital facility improvements, the Augustinians have remained steadfast in their mission to serve the least among us.
We invite you to join in this incredible mission of hope by supporting the children of Tijuana through a contribution to Hogar Infantil, Inc. and by spreading the story of Casa Hogar La Gloria around the world. www.hogarinfantil.org
Comments