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Christmas Letter 2022

The Spirit of Christmas is very important to Casa Juan Diego. We cannot survive without it. We ask your prayers that the Spirit of Christmas be with us—that there will be “Room in the Inn.” We remember with the birth of Jesus our shared heritage with the Jewish community. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was… continue reading

Poco a Poco: A Catholic Worker Reflects on Life at Casa Juan Diego

It is the season of giving and receiving. Some would say it’s the best time of the year. The days sandwiched between late November and Christmas are a special time hopefully spent with the ones we love. This is one of my favorite times of the year, and I think we can all agree that… continue reading

Casa Juan Diego and the Healing of Trauma

Seven months ago, I was attacked and robbed by two carjackers. They had a gun, and one of them grabbed me from behind. You cannot predict what you will do in a fight or flight situation like this, but apparently, I fight. I managed to get away with only minor physical injuries, but the loss… continue reading

A Christmas Feast for the Whole Universe, From Many Countries Migrants Come to Casa Juan Diego

“The star came to rest above the place where the child was. At the sight of it the wise men were filled with great joy, and that great joy should fill our hearts as well. It is the same as the joy the shepherds received from the glad tidings brought by the angels. Let us… continue reading

There’s Water on the Floor Again at Casa Juan Diego

  We celebrated our 40th anniversary a couple years ago. Some of our buildings should already have received a letter from the Queen, were they British, given their age. Our main building, constructed of steel and concrete due to prior fires, opened in 1987, so it is now 35 years old. In Houston, the clay… continue reading

The Eyes of Faith

Hans Urs von Balthasar references the idea of the Eyes of Faith from Pierre Rousselot. Below is a slightly adapted reflection on the Eyes of Faith from the Houston Catholic Worker, February 2, 1995. Faith changes things, and hopefully, it changes us so that we can see with the Eyes of Faith. With faith we… continue reading

Liturgy, Theology, Poetry, and Slaughter in Our World

Some years ago Allison Ogle, one of the dedicated young Catholic Workers at Casa Juan Diego, introduced us to her fiancé (now her husband) Jonathan Ciraulo. Jonathan was a graduate student of theology at the University of Notre Dame; he has since received his doctorate and is teaching at St Meinrad’s School of Theology. The… continue reading

From Casa Juan Diego to the University of Texas

Gabby was a Catholic Worker at Casa Juan Diego during the past months. She graduated from the University of Houston Downtown this May and will soon begin studies for her master’s degree in social work at the University of Texas. My philosophy in this world is to maintain hope, in spite of the darkest hours… continue reading

Pro-life After Dobbs – God Will Say, Where Are the Others?

Prolife After Dobbs – Who Will Care for the Mothers and Babies?   The joy of many after the Supreme Court ruling to leave abortion decisions to the states should spark a big response among Catholics to respond to many more pregnant women who will be in need. Prolife groups who give baby furniture, diapers,… continue reading

For the Canonization of Dorothy Day

Dear Friends, As we rejoice in the completion of the diocesan phase of the Cause for Canonization of Servant of God Dorothy Day, we are reaching out to Catholic Worker communities throughout the United States to join us in promoting the advancement of the canonization cause as it continues.   Your lives as contemporary Catholic Workers… continue reading