Julia joined us as a Catholic Worker at Casa Juan Diego after graduating from Tulane University. One day during the fall, Louise told me she was reading the Gospel of St. Luke from beginning to end during Mark Zwick’s last months. I had never done this before so I thought, with someone to hold… continue reading
Saints and Non-Saints: “To Do” Or “To Be,” That Is the Question
May 2, 2017 by
by Mark Zwick This article was first published in Our Sunday Visitor in the 1990’s. The pastor of a nearby parish really got our attention recently in his Sunday sermon. He said that we emphasize “doing” too and neglect “being.” “Be!” he stated strongly, not “do.” We felt guilty and resolved to concentrate more… continue reading
Communion of Saints, Cornerstone of the Catholic Worker: The Heart Is Made for Heroism
April 24, 2017 by
The day after Mark’s funeral (Mark Zwick, December 22, 1927-November 18, 2016) Father Rafael Dávila mentioned that our Wednesday night liturgy on that day would be the first time that Mark accompanied us at Mass from heaven. His comment brought to us a new level of awareness of the Communion of Saints, enshrined in Church… continue reading
Do You Really See the Face of Jesus in the Poor At the Houston Catholic Worker?
February 21, 2017 by
This article was first published in the Houston Catholic Worker in February 1986. It was a beautiful day with the early morning sun streaming through the stained glass windows and glancing off the faces of the packed congregation. Everything and everybody seemed so bright and shiny. Even I felt that way, used clothing and all…. continue reading
Overflowing Support Will Carry Mark Zwick’s Work At Casa Juan Diego Into the Future
February 21, 2017 by
During the days and weeks after Mark died on November 18, many have sent their condolences, their prayers and notice of having Masses said for him or come to visit and personally express their gratitude for Mark’s life. Many, many came to his wake and his funeral at St. Anne’s. Sixteen priests came to celebrate… continue reading
Mark Zwick: “I Live at Casa Juan Diego”
February 11, 2017 by
Stephen has been an essential part of Casa Juan Diego since the very beginning, maintaining our large mailing list, printing and sorting labels and working with the guests of our men’s house in preparing each mailing of the paper, as well as working with the accounting. One of the last times I spoke with Mark… continue reading
“If We Had Any Guts We’d Start a Catholic Worker House”: Reflections at the Vigil Service for Mark Zwick
February 7, 2017 by
We are here to celebrate the life of Mark Zwick and his remarkable example of servant leadership. Mark laid the foundation for Casa Juan Diego which has fed and sheltered tens of thousands of people over the last 36 years. He founded a newspaper and with his wife Louise coauthored books illuminating the pilgrimage… continue reading
Mark Zwick, a Missionary of Mercy
January 20, 2017 by
“Mark Zwick passed away at the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Mercy,” said Maryknoll Father Rafael Dávila, “Mark died as he lived—as a missionary of mercy.” Preaching in both Spanish and English at Mark’s funeral Mass on November 22, 2016 at St. Anne’s Church in Houston, Texas, Father Dávila began by describing the meaning… continue reading
The Crowd Parted When Mark Zwick Arrived in His Wheel Chair
January 16, 2017 by
As his health declined, Mark Zwick was no longer able to walk the short distance to visit all the Catholic Worker houses that he and his wife, Louise founded. It was important to him that he still be connected to the work, however, so for a time he was driven by car and later pushed… continue reading
Christmas Letter 2016
December 1, 2016 by
Dear Friends of Casa Juan Diego, Casa Juan Diego exists because Christmas exists. Without people who celebrate Christmas each year – and some each month – Casa Juan Diego would be incapable of so many Works of Mercy. Works of Mercy Our biggest works of mercy remain hospitality and care for the sick and injured…. continue reading
