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
MARK ZWICK, FOUNDER OF CASA JUAN DIEGO DIES AT 88
November 18, 2016 by
Mark Zwick, who 36 years ago turned a tumble-down building on Washington Avenue into a thriving international refuge for immigrants and refugees, died Friday, November 18, 2016, at his home in Houston after battling Parkinson’s Disease. He was 88. In 1980, Mark and his wife Louise founded Casa Juan Diego, a Catholic Worker House of… continue reading
Mark Zwick, Founder of Casa Juan Diego, is On Hospice
November 12, 2016 by
Update: November 18, 2016 Mark passed away this morning peacefully at home. Information about his life and the funeral services will be available in a separate post. Update: November 12, 2016 Mark continues to rest at his home, but is in decline. We will be updating this page with information on services. Update: November 2, 2016… continue reading
Stepping Out Of the Boat At Casa Juan Diego
November 11, 2016 by
Joanna was a Catholic Worker at Casa Juan Diego last year. She has recently joined the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. My time as an active Catholic Worker at Casa Juan Diego drew to a close in the middle of May, and I had a speech to prepare. It’s a… continue reading
Personalism in Our Daily Lives
May 3, 2016 by
Joanna, a graduate of Wyoming Catholic College, is a Catholic Worker at Casa Juan Diego. I came to Casa Juan Diego some months ago, and as I made the long drive from home down to Houston, Texas, I began to wonder more and more as the wheels of the car brought me closer and closer… continue reading
Christmas All Year Long at Casa Juan Diego
February 9, 2016 by
As I finished my seventh Christmas season at Casa Juan Diego, I was amazed, just as I am amazed every year, by the generosity of our supporting community. The people of Houston give their money and their time open-handedly to keep our doors open and our pantry full, not just at Christmas, but throughout the… continue reading
From the Inside Of the Inn Door
February 9, 2016 by
Shannon McPherson came to join in the work of Casa Juan Diego from the Bruderhof Community There’s one character in the Christmas story who really dropped the ball. The inn keeper of Bethlehem had this incredible opportunity to show hospitality to the baby son of God, and he shut the door on him. I, however,… continue reading
