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A Sign of Hope in Canto Chico

 Yolanda Arribasplata, CSJ

Ribbon cutting for the opening of the community house in Canto Chico

With deep gratitude to God and to all those who have made the reconstruction of our community house in Canto Chico a reality, we are very happy to announce its reopening for our mission in San Juan de Lurigancho (Lima, Peru). This work is a concrete response to the Gospel call to remain among the people where life is most vulnerable, in contexts marked by violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and the impoverishment that affects so many families.

Blessing of the community house in Canto Chico
Blessing the community house in Canto Chico.

The CSJ house in Canto Chico was created as a place of welcome and accompaniment for children, young people and families. We want it to be a place of listening, formation and human and spiritual guidance; a space where each person can feel recognized and treated with dignity.

More than just a renovated building, it represents a living commitment to hope and community building based on the conviction that our mission is woven into everyday life and that love has transformative power.

Blessing of the community house in Canto Chico
Our prayerful reopening.

Since we began the reconstruction, our neighbors have expressed their appreciation for the work and the efforts of architect Julio Salinas and the workers from the neighborhood. They value not only the beauty and excellent construction of the house, but also his human qualities.

“He has not only built a beautiful house; Julio is a very compassionate, peaceful, approachable, and kind person,” commented one neighbor. Others added, “Thank you for bringing such a godly man to this neighborhood.” These words reveal that when work is done in the spirit of the Gospel, the way it is built becomes a testimony of unity and love that builds beyond the walls, confirming that the mission is built in communion.

We are deeply grateful to the entire congregation and to those who have supported this project with their prayers and financial donations. May this house be a visible sign of God’s love and a seed of new life for Canto Chico!

Sixteen women gathered around a circular table in the community house in Canto Chico
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The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet are a congregation of Catholic sisters. We, and those who share our charism and mission, are motivated in all things by our profound love of God and our dear neighbors. We seek to build communities and bridge divides between people. Since our first sisters gathered in 1650, our members have been called to “do all things of which women are capable.” The first sisters of our congregation arrived in St. Louis, Missouri in 1836, and we now have additional locations in St. Paul, Albany, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Japan and Peru. Today, we commit to respond boldly to injustice and dare to be prophetic.

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