May this letter find you all well. My name is Fr. Kyle Laylan. For those of you who do not
know me, I have spent the past year living at Casa Hogar. Very soon I will be heading
back to the Diocese of La Crosse to continue ministry in a parish. Now I am in the stage
of transition mentally and spiritually, in preparation for my next assignment. I find
myself reflecting on many of the experiences of this past year. I leave feeling blessed to
have had the opportunity to be here.
For the average American the idea of living at an orphanage is a foreign concept.
Likewise, as a Diocesan priest, it is a foreign concept. The experience has certainly
offered me a unique opportunity, with many lessons. Here I am, a diocesan priest from
the US, living in Peru, in a community of 8 families (each family with an average of 8
children). I have entered into the world of the people here. And, it is a privilege. You get
to know the stories of the children and the adults. Some stories are difficult to hear. But
yet, there is always hope.
During this year, I have sought to get to know Casa Hogar, inside and out. I feel blessed
to have formed a relationship with many of the adults and children. I have observed
how Casa Hogar operates, and I have participated in the leadership. Importantly, I have
been able to hone in my Spanish skills. Frequently I have been outside the confines of
Casa assisting at local chapels and at other orphanages nearby.
There are some people who question the need to support an orphanage in a distant
country. Perhaps we should just focus on our own? That is, on the needs of our people
within the diocese. I am convinced this approach is somewhat shallow. As one priest
in favor of supporting Casa Hogar told me, “What about the universal Church?” “What
about recognizing that we are connected with the whole Church at large, mandated by
our Lord to go out to all nations?” If we only care about our own needs and do not look
outward at the needs of others, we have adulterated our Christian faith. Casa Hogar
keeps us in the Diocese of La Crosse looking outward.
And so I extend my gratitude to you all, who have generously supported Casa Hogar.
You are convinced that this mission is worthwhile. Your support makes a difference for
the children here in Peru. We provide them a family, grounded in faith, with the hopes
that they will have a bright future.
If you are able to, please consider making a gift. Know that the children
here in Casa pray for you often.
May God bless you all, and again, thank you.