Inspired by the 48th General Chapter’s emphasis on interculturality and inculturation, the Piarist presence in Guatemala has opened a new chapter in its history: an intercultural mission between Devon Preparatory School in Pennsylvania and the communities of Cabricán and Huitán in Guatemala.
Within just six months, this project came to life thanks to the perseverance of Fr. Nelson Henao, Headmaster of Devon Prep, and the dedicated efforts of the Piarist community in Cabricán–Huitán. On the evening of Friday, 6 June, ten people arrived in Cabricán: two adults (a parent actively engaged in the school’s mission and a Spanish teacher) and eight students.
The following day, they engaged in a cultural exchange with the local youth liturgy group and visited El Cerro, a rural village where they learned about the structure and ministries of a vibrant Christian community. On Sunday, they took part in the Eucharist in two villages: Ciénaga Grande and Saquicol Sija, deeply moved by the living faith that animates Guatemalan communities. One especially touching moment was the encounter with the marimba, a traditional xylophone-like instrument, performed by the ensemble led by music teacher Santiago and former Piarist students in the remote village of Loma Vixben.
The group then entered into life at the parish schools of Cabricán and Huitán. Over five days, they rotated between activities at La Asunción School in Cabricán (serving children from pre-school to sixth grade) and the school in Huitán, participating as peers in classroom life, sports (basketball and football), and cultural activities involving music and dance. In Huitán, primary classes take place in the morning, and lower secondary education in the afternoon. One significant act of missionary service was painting the entire multi-purpose hall – a meaningful gesture of collaboration and solidarity with the local school.
Eager to dive deeper, the students requested an afternoon workshop on crafting traditional clay musical instruments, guided by music teacher Santiago. The experience was so heartfelt, they felt as though they had become Guatemalans themselves.
The Piarist religious community welcomed the group with open doors and hearts, generously supporting this mission, which is now shaping a new Calasanctian horizon in this presence – ever more devoted to the service of children, youth and families.
Thank you, Devon Prep!
