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
Urgent Needs
November 18, 2016 by
At Casa Juan Diego we are in immediate need of new hooded sweatshirts for men to give as Christmas presents.
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
Why Are We Called Catholic Worker? On the Origins of the Catholic Worker Movement
November 11, 2016 by
The Houston Catholic Worker is rejected by some because of its name. Some reject it because of the word “Catholic.” Others because of the word “Worker”. Others say they would never pick up a paper with such a name. The word “Houston” is not a problem: the paper is written for the people of Texas… 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
Communion: A New Easy Essay
November 6, 2016 by
1. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us in teaching 1397 that the Eucharist commits us to the poor. 2. Dorothy quoted Fr. Lacouture: “If we cannot see Jesus in the poor man, we surely cannot see Him under the poverty-stricken veils of bread.” 3. In both the Mass and in sharing a meal with a poor… continue reading
