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In the heart of San Francisco Cozoaltepec, a predominantly Zapotec community in the Diocese of Puerto Escondido, a unique blend of economic struggle, religious tradition, and social dynamism shapes everyday life. Despite the high illiteracy rates among women and the challenge of covering family expenses, these women work tirelessly to raise their children, contributing significantly to the community’s resilience. Click the link for more information.

Mujeres Bordando Sueños: Zapotec Women Empowered Through their Artisanal Craft. Nestled in the coastal region of Oaxaca, the community of San Francisco Cozoaltepec in the municipality of Santa María Tonameca thrives amidst economic challenges and rich cultural heritage. This predominantly Zapotec village, situated 268 kilometers from the state capital, is home to 2,645 inhabitants who navigate life between tradition and the pursuit of better economic opportunities. Click the link for more information.

The current ecological reality motivated the Sisters from the Vasco de Quiroga School to start a community garden to teach students about caring for the earth and the self-sustainability for human beings. Click the link for more information.

"I met wonderful human beings who always had to offer food, clothing, medicine and not only that, they did it with infinite love. My infinite gratitude for those angels that God sent me and over time they became family."

"We are a family, my four kids And my husband. We were deported to Nogales Sonora Mexico. We arrived very sad because they did not allow us to reach our destination, which was in the United States because at that time they were not letting people into the country to fight their cases. We were very sad because we didn't know anyone where we were deported and we didn't have any money to buy food because they took everything from us before arriving in Mexico. We were hungry and thirsty and then some people showed up and took us to eat and drink water because we needed it a lot. The people took us to the Kino Border Initiative soup kitchen that was run by the Sisters. I thank God for all their attention to my family. I thank you very much with all my heart. I am very grateful. The truth is, I thank all the people very much for their big hearts and for their patience. Every day they gave us delicious plates of food and gave us clothes and also a lot of love, especially because they wanted us happy because they also sang to us to make us feel happy."

"When this situation began, I was desperate, stressed and without knowing what was going to happen. The only thing I thought about at that moment was being able to go with my family, but I started to think that on the way I could become infected and spread the virus further, putting It endangered the health of my family and the people around me, so I had to stay in the state. I had a lot of support from the nuns who were in charge of the community, since thanks to them I was able to continue staying there, in addition to that they offered me food and their affection, I continued with my online classes, I took some courses to be able to occupy my time now. that sometimes I felt desperate and stressed since it was the same routine every day, the days continued to pass and I felt like I couldn't do it anymore, that the confinement was affecting me, even as there were mood swings and physical changes in my body, but I continued to face all that to be able to finish my degree, and I was able to achieve it thanks to the perseverance and support of the people around me."

"The school helped me defend the characteristics of a Social Worker. With their help and coordination we found a way to not sit idly by (academically speaking), we were able to continue with our training and intervene in our reality, getting involved with the world in a different way, one from a distance. Without the school and the teachers, I feel that I would not have been aware of the many realities that were born and reinforced by the Pandemic, such as inequality, privileges and the importance of mental health."

"I have known The Missionaries of the Eucharist for several years. They contribute to the Pastoral Care of the Catholic Church in El Refugio Casa del Migrante and in the Nuestra Señora del Refugio Parish. They do vital work in the Refuge, thanks to their administration, order, food and decision-making tasks, the organization works perfectly. They show a commitment to constant work, they are always willing to give more time and provide an accompaniment and support service to migrants or people on the move. I can say that they are always willing to learn, they always live out their vows of humility and obedience. They are women who have great leadership and strength."

I'm 11 years old and I'm from the capital of guatemala. I'm the daughter and only girl of my family and they sent us back to Mexico when we asked for asylum at the U.S. border. We were sent to Nogales, Sonora on the Border of Mexico in 2020. We went through many problems when we came, such as enduring hunger and cold. I was 6 or 7 years old when we tried to migrate but I had a lot of fear of the dark and the things that could happen to us along the way. The police grabbed us and took us and other families and separated us into groups. Me, My dad, and my older brother was in one room. In the other room was my mother along with my little brother. The police told my parents that we had to find a place to live, then some people from the Sisters’ soup kitchen showed up to help us. They took us to a shelter. Everyday we went to have breakfast and lunch at the Kino Border Initiative Migrant Dining Room and I really liked the dining room and the people were very loving, kind, and generous. I am really thankful. What I loved the most about the dining room was the food that deserves 5 stars.