The monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe is situated in the city of Belén in Costa Rica and is at the same time the formation house for the postulants of the order of the Franciscan Friars Conventual, in Central America. At present there are six brothers there, two of them fully professed, as formators and four postulants. But in fact the monastery has space for 16 religious. Its superior, Father Andrés Quesada Soto has written to us: „We are hoping that the vocations apostolate will bear fruit in the coming years and that more young people will be interested in exploring their vocation to the religious life by discovering our Franciscan charism.“
The monastery is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The fact that this is so is something the friars see as a special grace. „We Latin Americans have a very special love for Our Lady of Guadalupe“, Father Andres continues. „She is truly our advocate, and so the Catholic faithful have no hesitation in entrusting themselves to her in every kind of need. She is also a clear sign of the great love and tender concern that our good God has, above all for the most needy. Like a true mother, she accompanies us and enlightens the path of faith for us. Her example obliges us to be, like her, signs of hope, peace and unity among the nations.“
„It is a sign of God‘s providence that the postulants‘ house has this name. The Blessed Virgin is gathering young people from every part of Central America who are willing to follow Jesus Christ and dedicate their whole lives to God as Friars Minor. Beneath the gaze of Our Blessed Lady we take our first steps in the religious life. Going to her in order to seek refuge with her is the best school for becoming true disciples of Jesus. Many generations of Friars have been formed in this monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe and now joyfully live their vocation today, on behalf of the People of God in every area of society.“
But there is a problem. The monastery was built in 1988. Over the years it has deteriorated – especially on account of the hurricanes and earthquakes which plague the region – and now needs renovation. Some parts of the building, in fact, are not safe for those living there.
Father Andrés explains: „Our economic situation makes it very difficult to carry out all the repair work that is needed on the building. The congregation has to cover all the costs for the young postulants, and as a result there is very little money left over for maintenance or repair.“
And so they have turned to us for help, at least to be able to repair the refectory. We have promised them 4600 Euros. They already thank you in advance for your help: „Thanks to your generous help, it will now be possible for us to continue welcoming young Central American men for many years to come. We will constantly remember you in our prayers and ask God, through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Francis of Assisi, to be with you always and protect you from all evil.“,