Approximately 170km east of Guatemala City, in the central highlands near the borders of Honduras and El Salvador, lies the town of Esquipulas. The town is best known for the magnificent colonial church, which was ordered built in 1737 by the archbishop of Guatemala to house the spectacular wood carving known as the Black Christ.

As with an increasing number of elders around the world, most of the residents at Hogar Betania have been abandoned by their families, either in their own homes or in the hospital. The sisters do outreach into the community in order to find those elders in need of love, compassion, and a family. Our donors provide regular support towards the home’s expenses.

Through the years, we have helped the nuns purchase their first-ever refrigerator, a new sewing machine, new cookware, and countless meals for their elders. We feel fortunate to have found Hogar Betania, and to share in their joy of caring for abandoned and homeless elders. With our donors’ help, we will be able to continue to provide assistance for the sisters’ work for years to come.

Please meet Doña María, who was found by her neighbor in very poor health, and unable to walk. She had been abandoned in her own home by her daughters. Her neighbor had Doña María rushed to the hospital, and when she was well enough, she was taken to Hogar Betania. After her daughters found out she was safe at Hogar Betania, her daughters took ownership of her cherished little home. Doña María is now healthy, happy, and walking again. She has a new family, a safe place to live, and will be showered with love and compassion every day, for the rest of her life. 

Her daughters have never tried to visit her.