Guatemala Commission

Although many dioceses in the U.S. support deserving projects, few enjoy the close, unique, and continuing relationship that the Diocese of Spokane has with the poorest of the poor. Thanks to the leadership of Bishop Bernard Topel in the late 1950s, the Diocese of Spokane entered into an agreement with the Diocese of Sololá in Guatemala, whereby Spokane offered to share spiritual, material, and human resources with the Diocese of Sololá. 

Inhabitants of northern Guatemala are among the most impoverished people in the world. Oppressed by others for hundreds of years, these native peoples have been forced to eke out a living on the slopes of volcanic peaks at the 7,000-12,000 ft. elevation level. Many families live in one-room homes with dirt floors and no water or electricity. With an inadequate food supply, malnutrition and disease are common. 

While programs have advanced and local leadership has replaced Spokane personnel, the Guatemala Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Spokane continues financial and prayer support for pastoral work, medical clinics, and education. Specific supported programs include four medical clinics under the direction of Dr. Jose Miguel Vasquez, the minor seminary in Sololá, the Catholic school in Nahuala, and the radio station, “Nawal Estereo”. We are also involved with pastoral work in Nahuala and Ixtahuacan, such as youth and religious education programs and training of catechists. Ongoing prayer and financial support are vital to the lives and welfare of these people. They are very grateful and thankful for support from the people and parishes of the Spokane diocese and they pray for God’s blessings for everyone!