Tijuana orphanage celebrating 50 years
SAN DIEGO — Casa Hogar La Gloria, a home for at-risk and vulnerable children in Tijuana, Mexico, will celebrate 50 years of service.
A benefit, “Fiesta of Hope,” will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, June 6, at St. Augustine High School.
Since 1975, Casa Hogar La Gloria has opened its doors and hearts to orphaned, abused, neglected and abandoned children in the La Gloria community of Tijuana, just six miles south of San Diego. The nonprofit provides food, shelter, medical care, education, and social and emotional development in a safe, secure and loving environment for children ages newborn to 12. At any time, the facility is filled with as many as 26 children.
The Fiesta of Hope benefit will include a variety of creative and Baja-inspired foods, a sampling of fine wines and local brews, and delicious desserts. The event will recognize and honor the volunteers who founded the Tijuana orphanage. Festive music, an auction and other fundraising opportunities will round out the celebratory evening.
Casa Hogar La Gloria was founded by dedicated volunteers in partnership with the Augustinian community of Catholic priests and brothers in San Diego. The orphanage continues to be actively supported by bi-national volunteers and donors.
For more information, visit hogar-infantil.org. Tickets to the Fiesta of Hope can be purchased at hogar-infantil.org/fiesta-of-hope.html.
San Rafael capping 50th anniversary with festival
SAN DIEGO — San Rafael Parish in Rancho Bernardo will hold a Pentecost Festival to conclude its 50th anniversary celebrations.
The event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 8, in the parish hall. Preceded by a noon Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Ramon Bejarano, the festival will include a silent auction, live music, American and international food ($1 per serving), Bingo and Jeopardy (free), a cake walk, and children’s activities.
The parish began its 50th anniversary year celebration on the Feast of St. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels, Sept. 29, 2024, with a parish picnic. Throughout the year, the parish has marked the anniversary with a number of spiritual, community and celebratory events.
Among other things, the parish launched a new parish logo and branding with a focus on its patron saint, the Archangel Raphael; unveiled a revamped parish website; installed livestream capabilities; celebrated a Solemn Mass for the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Church on Feb. 17; and organized a Jubilee pilgrimage to Italy (May 12-22) and a parish pilgrimage to St. Joseph Cathedral (May 17).
The parish also introduced a Financial Freedom event on April 26, which kicked off a yearlong financial awareness program. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of an official proclamation from the City of San Diego declaring April 26, 2025, as “San Rafael Day” in recognition of the parish’s dedication to meaningful causes throughout the community.
Retreat offers after-abortion healing
SAN DIEGO — Rachel’s Hope will hold a healing retreat for Catholic (or Catholic-friendly) women who are suffering from grief over an abortion.
The professionally led retreat will be held June 27 to 29 at a private location. The schedule includes a closing Mass.
Confidentiality will be maintained. Group size is limited, and housing is available if needed.
The cost is $60 per person. Partial scholarships are available.
For more information or to register, call (858) 581-3022, text (858) 752-9378 or email rachels_hope@juno.com. Additional information available at rachelshope.org.
Father Joe’s hosts 75th anniversary charity gala
SAN DIEGO — Father Joe’s Villages hosted its milestone 75th anniversary Children’s Charity Gala on May 10 to raise critical funds for programs that keep families together and prevent children from falling into homelessness.
The event, which was held at the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego, raised more than $1.4 million.
Chaired by community champions Drs. Lisa Krijger and Ajay Nirula, the event featured a gourmet multi-course dinner, dynamic auctions, live music, dancing and inspiring stories.
Nearly 500 community leaders, philanthropists and advocates gathered to celebrate the theme of being a “Beacon of Hope.” Proceeds will directly support therapeutic childcare, pediatric health services, and family support programs.
Father Joe’s Villages’ family and child services include therapeutic childcare, which combines fully licensed preschool and after-school childcare with family and parenting programs, behavioral health, ongoing support and mentorship. The organization also offers life-sustaining services like food, shelter and pediatric care. In 2024 alone, the organization served 518 families and nearly 1,000 children.
Young adults can network at YCP events
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego chapter of Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) hosts regular events for young Catholics in their 20s and 30s.
Among the organization’s recurring events is its Executive Speaker Series, where a Catholic speaker is invited to reflect on his or her faith and career. There is no cost for admission, and attendees can enjoy free beer, wine and appetizers, as well as time for networking.
YCP San Diego also holds networking happy hours, half-day retreats and other events.
For more information on upcoming events, visit youngcatholicprofessionals.org/chapter/san-diego.
Men invited to join ‘Rosary Crusade’
SAN DIEGO — The Men’s Rosary Crusade gathers at 9 a.m., every first Saturday of the month, at the corner of Sixth and Laurel in Balboa Park. All men are welcome.
The rosary intentions are for reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for the conversion of America, for families and for the unborn.
For more information, email draguez@sbcglobal.net or call (619) 920-8363.
Catholics can ‘Encounter’ Jesus in Rancho Peñasquitos
SAN DIEGO — Encounter, a Spirit-filled evening of inspiring music, prayer and Eucharistic adoration, is held on the second Friday of each month at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Rancho Peñasquitos.
Sponsored by the parish’s Hearts of Fire Ministry, the event runs from 7 to 8 p.m. Confession will be available, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish at (858) 324-0490.
City approves Father Joe’s redevelopment of ‘Skydiving Center’
SAN DIEGO — Last year, Father Joe’s Villages was selected for the purchase and redevelopment of 1401 Imperial Ave., formerly known as the Skydiving Center.
Today, it currently operates as a Homelessness Response Center managed by the San Diego Housing Commission.
Following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, Father Joe’s Villages was ultimately selected to develop and operate the complex. The purchase was approved following a unanimous vote of approval by San Diego City Council.
By next year, Father Joe’s Villages will begin its redevelopment of the property. Upon completion, the center will add 164 units of affordable housing to downtown San Diego, on a site just steps away from Father Joe’s Villages’ East Village Campus.
“We at Father Joe’s Villages have found a way to build upon the structure’s strengths to the benefit of the community,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO at Father Joe’s Villages. “By repurposing the existing site while employing high-performance building materials, we can scale the building to 15 floors with 164 homes of 100% affordable housing.
“In addition to affordable housing,” he continued, “future residents will have access to wrap-around services that Father Joe’s Villages offers, such as physical and behavioral health care, social supports and employment services, which will help residents attain self- sufficiency and success.”
