If you’ve visited our mission in Chimbote, you’ve met the incomparable Maruja. She was living in a home for women with disabilities founded by Mother Teresa when Father Jack discovered her there. After learning of her situation, he took her in and gave her a home at the mission. She’s been a part of the Friends of Chimbote family for many years; in addition to cleaning and taking care of Father Jack’s living quarters, Maruja oversees the kitchen and serves as the honorary House Mother to our mission visitors. If you’re planning a trip to the mission, be sure to ask her about her beautiful hand-made purses and satchels.
On April 28, 2012 more than 140 people attended a brunch at Southview Country Club in St. Paul, MN to celebrate and support Sister Peggy’s legacy of education. While old friends reconnected and new friendships were formed, we shared information about the Friends of Chimbote mission education programs and how they transform the lives of Chimbote’s youth. Wayne Sanders served as master of ceremonies, inspiring us with a testimony about his personal mission visits and the impact they’ve had on his life. Father Jack regaled the crowd with humorous … Read more >
On February 25, 2012, Katie and I were thrown a Hollywood themed wedding shower by my Aunt Cathy O’Meara, Mom, and dear family friend Mary Rigney. The shower was hosted at the Rigney family home in Eagan, Minnesota. It came as no surprise that anyone attending got into character. Upon arrival our guests were interviewed on the red carpet, complete with paparazzi. In lieu of gifts, we requested our guests make a donation to Friends of Chimbote. After visiting Chimbote in 2007 and … Read more >
As I look over the Friends of Chimbote website I am inspired to tell my story of meeting Fr. Jack and Sr. Peggy back in 1998 or so. I had married a Chimbotana whose name is Ela and had been to Chimbote and Tortugas on vacation to visit my wife’s family and my mother-in-law several different times. This particular year my mother-in-law was sick with a heart condition and divine governance told me to look for someone who could come and pray with her. So, I began my Google search … Read more >
WITH THE HOLIDAYS behind us — except for a stray pine needle embedded in the carpet — we snuggle into our comfortable beds with full stomachs (just a few pounds heavier) often unmindful of our many blessings. Settling back into our pre-holiday routine, we vaguely recall the outpouring of heartfelt appeals from charities an organizations that fi ltered into our mailboxes, inviting us to make a diff erence in the lives of others in need. Long after the Christmas presents are opened (if even remembered), and the holiday decorations are … Read more >
