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Apostolates
Apostolates Home ׀ Evangelization ׀ Food Distribution ׀ Housing Assistance
Compañeros ׀ Casa Guadalupe


COMPAÑEROS DEL CORAZÓN DE CRISTO – COMPANIONS OF THE HEART OF CHRIST

“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mk 10:14

The Comapnions of the Heart of Christ is a program of Christian formation, educational support and healthy recreation for boys in primary school in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the residence of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Colonia Francisco Morazán, Comayagua, Honduras.

When the Friars first arrived in Comayagua, children and especially boys spontaneously began to flock around them because of the friars’ respectful friendliness and the boys’ desire and need for healthy adult male role models. Very few of these children have any kind of meaningful relationship with their fathers, most of whom have abandoned their families, and a significant number have never met their fathers and may not even know their names.

The Compañeros program began informally by trying to provide opportunities for healthy recreation and the positive use of the time and energy for the crowd of boys that would gravitate to the friary. Of course there was also the deeper desire to strengthen their faith, bring them to a personal knowledge of Jesus, support them in preparing to receive the Sacraments – especially First Communion, Confession and Confirmation, and finally to encourage the boys to stay in school and do well in their studies.

A more formal program eventually began to take shape with a regular schedule and planned activities that include singing and prayer, catechesis, Bible study, homework, art projects, sports and outings. The high points on the annual calendar are the celebrations of First Holy Communion and Confirmation in the local parish. Boys who have been part of the program for a year can petition to be officially received as Companions of the Heart of Christ, which involves a formal commitment to prayer, brotherhood and good example. Upon their reception they receive a Compañeros tee shirt and a framed copy of their signed commitment.

The Friars are assisted in this apostolate by several Missioners of Christ male volunteers. A parallel programs for girls called Niñas del Rey, Girls of the King, is coordinated by female Missioners of Christ volunteers. Currently most of the activities take place in a small building in the rear of the Friar’s residence. The program will move next door to Casa Guadalupe, a community/apostolic center, when construction is complete sometime in 2006. Depending on the number of Friars and lay missionaries available, at that time we hope to be able to expand the program from one to three days a week, and include a hot lunch each day for those who participate.