On January 8, 2015 the community of Nuestros Pequeños
Hermanos welcomed Bishop Gonzalo de Villa y Vásquez to dedicate our new Chapel
of the Holy Family. Thanks to the many donors whose generosity made this chapel
possible, hundreds of children and young adults from NPH, together with staff
and representatives from our local parish gathered in the chapel for a
beautiful Mass.
The names of all of the donors, the Pequeños living here, the staff, and those
who worked on the construction of the chapel had been inserted and sealed
inside of the altar which was to be consecrated. We are still waiting for the
pews and some statues to be finished, and some other items are also pending-
but the total cost will end up being around $250,000. It is amazing to see what
this amount of money can provide here in Guatemala. Materials costs are
similar to what we would pay in the USA, but labor costs are
substantially less. While workers are very grateful to have work, the wages are
such that even most of those with jobs continue to live in poverty. But all
were both proud and thrilled to have the opportunity to build a church. And it
turned out beautifully, as the pictures below will show.
The children here will benefit for years to come by the
presence of this chapel. The excitement during the construction was surpassed
by the joy seen in their eyes as we gathered for this Mass. In their name I wish to offer my
deepest gratitude to all who contributed to this effort. We will maintain the
donors and their families in our prayers each time we celebrate the Eucharist
here. Below are some pictures from the Mass of Dedication:
Arrival of the bishop:
Everyone is assembled:
First Communicants:
The altar before it is consecrated:
Entrance procession:
What at day it was!
