The message of Pope Francis has swept the world, inspiring Catholics and the media, some previously disillusioned Catholics, and even atheists. His new Apostolic Exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel, profoundly illustrates why this is so. In the style which has become familiar in his papacy of less than a year, Francis challenges us to… continue reading
The Joy of the Gospel – Option For the Poor is Fundamental; Wealth Does Not Trickle Down
February 10, 2014 by
Christmas Letter 2013
December 14, 2013 by
Dear Friends, The spirit of Christmas – Jesus being born poor in a stable – is an indomitable force, despite the efforts of consumerism. The poor tell us “that God chose his Son to be born like the rest of us so that we can realize that we are important.” But Jesus and Christmas belong… continue reading
A Devastating Journey North for a Migrant from Honduras to the United States
November 24, 2013 by
I left Honduras with a plan of arriving in the United States. When I got to Guatemala, that same day I crossed Guatemala, arriving at the border with Mexico. I crossed the river in a large inner tube of a tire of a tractor or car. After crossing the river, I arrived in Tapachula, Chiapas,… continue reading
On Making Metro in Houston Less Expensive for the Good of the Poor, for the Good of All
November 24, 2013 by
The Houston Chronicle had an interesting headline on the front of the City and State section in September: Metro: Free Fare Days Are Signpost to Future, it read. The story told of the great results of a plan by Metro over the Labor Day Weekend to promote ridership on its buses and light rail by… continue reading
Volunteer Opportunities
November 9, 2013 by
How You Can Help: Full-time Catholic Workers – Live and work at Casa Juan Diego. Assist Catholic Workers on a half-day weekend shift Volunteer doctors and dentists needed for our clinic. Assistants need to help organize charts. Help distribute food once a week early Tuesday mornings Assist our master gardener in our organic garden Be… continue reading
Priest’s Brother Healed Through Prayers to Dorothy Day: A Letter
November 8, 2013 by
Greetings Friends at the Houston Catholic Worker, I just thought I’d tell you of my brother’s healing. Last year, doctors said my 72 year old brother Paul had a serious heel-bone infection which caused the achilles tendon to tear off the heel bone. Doctors said they needed to do a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis…. continue reading
A Mother’s Dream and a Plea for Immigration Reform
October 20, 2013 by
I give thanks to God every day for his great love and protection. For many years Casa Juan Diego has given us refuge and we are grateful for all they do for us. I am a mother who loves her two sons. The older was born in Mexico and the younger was born here in… continue reading
Pope Francis Made His First Trip Outside the Vatican To Visit Migrants
October 2, 2013 by
Where Is Your Brother? Who Is Responsible For This Blood? (Vatican Radio) In his homily at Mass celebrated with the residents of Lampedusa and the immigrants who have sought refuge there, Pope Francis spoke out against the “globalization of indifference” that leads to tragedies like the deaths of so many migrants seeking a better life…. continue reading
The Perils of Professionalism Or a Revolution of the Heart
October 2, 2013 by
My most recent trip to the Mexican Consulate was to accompany one of our guests who needed their help. At Casa Juan Diego, we spend a lot of time waiting in lines at various Consulates. Our guests need the services they offer, but the Consulates often seem overwhelmed by the number of supplicants. We did… continue reading
Justice For The Poor: Chesterton and Catholic Social Teaching
September 17, 2013 by
Catholic Social Teaching really does not have a lot of nuance to it. It basically boils down to one thing: justice for the poor. The Church has always emphasized the corporal works of mercy, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, tending to the sick, and so on, but as important as those things are, this… continue reading
