Bringing God’s Presence to a Wounded World

16 hours ago
3 min read

PERU

The neighborhood community, El Callao in Lima, Peru, lives in increasing despair both economically and physically, due to the rise in crime, violence, and extortion. Fr. Matteo, a holy priest of the congregation "Cooperatores Veritatis of the Mother of God" from Valencia, Spain has been assigned to oversee IEP Santa Maria de Guadalupe en la Perla, a Catholic school at the center of the most dangerous region in El Callao. Fr. Matteo states: “We believe this cycle of death can only be broken through the power of the Holy Spirit and a profound evangelization—rooted in the love of God and lived through our school."

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, Fr. Matteo is leading the construction of a chapel on school grounds. This sacred space will become a true dwelling place for the Lord—a holy ground for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, catechism classes, the celebration of Holy Mass, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation for students and their parents.

Every step we take is guided by the Gospel and sustained by your generosity. Please continue to pray for this mission, that together we may raise a new generation rooted in faith, hope, and love.

PROJECT UPDATES

A Testament to Faith, Perseverance, and Hope

June 2026

We are overjoyed to share that Fr. Matteo and his dedicated team in Peru have successfully completed the construction of the retention wall—an essential foundation that will now support a future garden, garage, walkway, and small chapel. Thanks to your prayers and unwavering support, what once stood as a daunting challenge to ensure the safety of the school is now a visible sign of hope and progress.

Santa Maria de Guadalupe en la Perla, a Catholic school at the center of the most dangerous region in El Callao.

This achievement did not come without significant trials. Early in the process, the team worked diligently to clear debris using a rented dump truck and backhoe, only to face unexpected threats from local individuals that delayed the work. In response, Father Matteo courageously partnered with local authorities to ensure the safety of the site and everyone involved. Despite uncertainty and setbacks, he remained steadfast, trusting in God’s providence and continuing to move forward with determination.

Through perseverance, careful coordination, and renewed efforts—including preparing steel reinforcements and securing reliable support—the team overcame each obstacle placed before them. Today, the completed retention wall stands not only as a structural success, but also as a powerful witness to what faith can accomplish in the face of adversity.

This journey beautifully reflects the words of Saint Paul:

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”- Philippians 1:6

In every delay and difficulty, God was at work—forming perseverance, building character, and strengthening hope. Because of your generosity and prayerful solidarity, this mission continues to move forward, transforming lives and laying a lasting foundation for faith and community.

Thank you for standing with Father Matteo and his team. Please continue to keep this vital work in your prayers as the next stages begin. Together, we witness that when God calls us to build, He faithfully provides the grace to complete His work.

Perseverance Amidst the Difficulties December 2025

Father Matteo’s team started the next phase of the project with enthusiasm and filled with hope. The first step was clearing the debris with a rented dump truck and backhoe. Unfortunately, the clean-up team was threatened by locals, causing a delay in executing the next stage of the work. To address this issue, Father Matteo has been partnering with the police to ensure that the job site is safe for future work.

Father Matteo is confident that the new contractor will be willing to take on the next stages of the work. He enthusiastically reports that the steel bars are being prepared for the concrete grid.

This experience reminds us that doing God’s work is never without obstacles—but with faith, perseverance, and the right support, we overcome them. We trust that every challenge is an opportunity for God to show His strength. The mission continues, and so does our hope—because when He calls us to build, He also gives us the Grace to finish! Please keep this vital work in your prayers!