Our roots

A history of open doors.

People, faith and community have shaped this home in San Miguel de Allende.

Sanctuary interior with a blue stained-glass window

Remembering Our History

José Mojica as Brother Francisco in “la cruz y la espada”
José Mojica as Brother Francisco in “la cruz y la espada”
José Mojica and his mother, doña Virginia
José Mojica and his mother, doña Virginia
José Mojica in “el capitán del sombrero” (Roberto Fresco)
José Mojica in “el capitán del sombrero” (Roberto Fresco)
1948 · The roots of our calling

The Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Mary was founded on September 8, 1948, by Madre María Almaguer Soto in Atotonilco, Guanajuato.

Their charism is to serve the Church by helping to proclaim the Gospel. Their spirituality is expressed through prayer and generosity in service, with care, silence, joy and humility, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Community and staff gathered in the home's gardens
1959 · The beginning of Casa Hogar Don Bosco

Casa Hogar Don Bosco, A.C. opened on February 18, 1959, in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, caring for girls and boys together on Diez de Sollano y Dávalos street.

The work began in response to the abandonment and lack of protection experienced by children in the city. Monseñor José Mercadillo Miranda, then parish priest of San Miguel Arcángel, asked the Dominican Sisters of Mary of Atotonilco to take responsibility for their care.

Historical photograph included in the history of Casa Hogar Mexiquito
1960 · The work at the former Mexiquito hacienda

According to the accounts collected in the institutional document, during the 1960s Father José Guadalupe Mojica promoted the construction of the children's home on the grounds of the former Mexiquito hacienda to care for children from low-income families.

Historical view of the Mexiquito facilities
1967 · Incorporation of the association

Santuario Hogar Guadalupano, A.C., known as Casa Hogar Mexiquito, was incorporated on May 8, 1967.

Interior of the home's chapel
1970 · Father Mojica travels to Peru

Around 1970, Father Fray Guadalupe Mojica developed gangrene in one foot. The Order of Friars Minor took him to Lima, Peru, according to the history in the institutional document.

Altar of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe
1974 · The work continues

Fray Guadalupe Mojica died on September 20, 1974. The PDF states that construction was abandoned.

Later, local people who had taken part in the work and the parish priest arranged for the boys cared for by the Dominican Sisters of Mary to move to Casa Hogar Mexiquito. The date of this move still needs clarification: the PDF states 1967, while the previous website states 1978.

Sanctuary interior with a blue stained-glass window
Today · Loving, protecting and providing a home

Our identity stems from our founder’s guiding principle: to love, protect and provide a home for his beloved children. Our mission remains to provide comprehensive education, help and protection to children who lack care and/or financial resources.

The Sisters’ apostolic life is rooted in the Gospel, the life of the Church and its tradition, with a message of compassion, truth, justice and love. Their ministries include missionary work, preaching, catechesis, shrines, spiritual retreat houses, orphanages and residential homes, seminaries, religious formation, social assistance, nursing, accounting, music and singing.

The document mentions their presence in San Miguel de Allende, San Juan de los Lagos, León, Chiapas, Sahuayo, Ciudad de México, Guadalajara, Florida and Rome.

Community mural: Leaving my mark on this home

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