Two Schools, One Spirit of Service

Written by Katie Wilson, Service Learning & Retreats Director

One of the beautiful examples of “two schools, one spirit” is OLP’s ongoing partnership with St. Augustine High School for our monthly visits to CASA HOGAR INFANTI L in the La Gloria community of Tijuana, located just six miles south of the U.S. border. One Saturday a month, ministry leaders from both schools caravan down with students to visit the children and share an afternoon spent in intentional community.

Founded in 1975, Casa Hogar Infantil La Gloria is a home for at-risk and vulnerable children, ranging in age from infants to early teens. Some of the children are orphans; many come from situations of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The OLP and Saints students undertake all sorts of activities with the children, from playing basketball and soccer, making monthly themed crafts, attending Mass, and on special occasions, sharing lunches of pozole soup, all in an effort to grow nurturing and lasting friendships with the children.

Casa Hogar Infantil is run by dedicated volunteers in partnership with the Augustinian community of Catholic priests and brothers in San Diego. The home is funded by a California nonprofit entity, managed by a Mexican nonprofit entity, and regulated by Mexico’s social services agency. Through this monthly partnership, not only have students been able to form strong friendships with the children, but they have also had opportunities to practice the art of fundraising. Saints and OLP students have each undertaken fundraisers and shared the proceeds directly with Hogar Infantil La Gloria’s California nonprofit entity. Senior student leader Malia Lewton shares, “This example of student faith leadership demonstrates that all we truly need to make a positive difference in the lives of others is love and a willingness to serve.”

Recent OLP alums from the class of 2022 Annya Apodaca, Valentina Gutierrez, Lara Sanchez and Isabella Murillo reflected back on their four years of volunteering with Casa Hogar Infantil La Gloria. They communally shared: “This experience helped us exemplify the CSJ charism of serving the dear neighbor, beyond our OLP community to our neighboring community in Tijuana. This opportunity allowed us to see beyond ourselves to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We created many fond memories with the children, watched them grow over our high school years, and witnessed their excitement as they learned how to read, pray, and write, amongst other childhood milestones. We hope that the Casa Hogar Infantil community continues to thrive in an environment full of love for one another, and knows that they have left a permanent mark on our hearts, which we carry proudly and lovingly.”

If you are interested in joining on a future visit to Casa Hogar Infantil La Gloria, please reach out to Mrs. Katie Wilson, Service Learning and Retreats Director.