Catholic Charity Work in Costa Rica

In Huacas, Costa Rica, the diocese of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles is faithfully dedicated to improving the livelihood of its community through the power of higher-quality Catholic education and Missionary Centers. The local school, El Colegio Vittorino Girardi, is passionate about providing all families with both the spiritual and academic tools for long-term success. The Missionary Centers serve as spiritual lifelines to celebrate Sacraments and provide catechesis programs.

The community’s devotion to the Lord is inspiring and undeniable. Through high-quality schooling for the children, catechesis programs for the adults, and a central home for worship, the diocese in Huacas, Costa Rica, embodies our mission to alleviate suffering, illuminate the mind, and ignite the Spirit.

El Colegio Vittorino Girardi

The Vittorino Girardi School (CEC) Difference

“We hope to not be seen as a ‘private school’ – but to be seen as a Universal Catholic Education Center, with open arms to all.” –  Vittorino Girardi High School
Costa Rica - Graduation Day 2019

High-quality education is academically essential for students to build stable foundations and achieve their intellectual ambitions. Through Catholic education, students are gifted with both the spiritual and academic tools for long-term prosperity. Unfortunately, because of unaffordable costs, many families struggle for the opportunity to receive these transformative gifts.

 

El Colegio Vittorino Girardi (also known as the Catholic Education Center or CEC) is a local Catholic High School in the Huacas district of Costa Rica that focuses on academic excellence, personal development, and is rooted in Christian values. Although there are a few Catholic private schools spread throughout the region, the majority of families cannot afford the costly tuition.

Fortunately, Vittorino Girardi School trusts in its students’ potential and believes that economic impediments should not limit a family to receive a quality Catholic education. Out of genuine love and service to the people, Vittorino Girardi serves as a non-profit school with open arms, offering both partial and full scholarships.

The Vittorino Girardi School strives to not only provide a strong, Catholic education – but also pursues an integral mission to lead its students, family members, and staff to encounter Jesus as the son of the father, a brother, a friend, a teacher, and a merciful shepherd.

Led by dedicated teachers, students get to experience a variety of programs that explore technical careers, music, culture, sports, community outreach, arts, language, and more. By bringing together all elements of a holistic Catholic curriculum, Vittorino Girardi helps students find full self-awareness to pursue their individual passions and better serve as disciples of Christ.

See More Pictures of Vittorino Girardi School Below

Constructing Missionary Centers

Spreading the Sacraments through Missionary Centers

” Sacraments are ‘powers that come forth’ from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. They are ‘the masterworks of God’ in the new and everlasting covenant.” (CCC 1116)
Nuestra Señora de los Angeles Parish in Huascas Fr. Ricardo with the children - missionary center in Costa Rica supported by Peter Freissle
Nuestra Señora de los Angeles Parish in Huascas - missionary center in Costa Rica supported by Peter Freissle

In Huacas, Costa Rica, families initially lacked a central site to celebrate the divine sacraments. For example, in 2011, the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony was only celebrated one time throughout the entire year.

With the help of generous hearts, the faithful community has built Missionary Centers to provide retreats, formation catechesis, and a central church to celebrate Sacraments. The Missionary Centers also include the Vittorino Girardi School and housing for nuns who visit nearby coastal communities to provide bible courses and training activities.

Since the construction, the Missionary Centers have provenly increased the amount of people in formation and the number of people who attend weekly mass, strengthening the community’s faithfulness.

The community’s devotion to the Lord is inspiring and undeniable. Through high-quality schooling for the children, catechesis programs for the adults, and a central home for worship, Huacas, Costa Rica embodies our mission to alleviate suffering, illuminate the mind, and ignite the Spirit.

Learn More About Costa Rica Charity Work

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