It’s fitting that one year after the Diocese of El Paso went into lockdown there would be a coming together in a new way to celebrate our faith during an inspiring fundraiser for the Casa Guadalupe Retreat House, a spiritual home that will offer hope and renewal for many years to come, particularly following the pandemic as many are grieving painful losses.
The Casa Guadalupe Retreat House raised $8,100 during an online auction for the plaza and prayer garden through the sale of figurines—hand painted by our bishop and local priests—Talavera tiles, and donations. Your gifts will help beautify the space. Now it’s time for you to visit!
The auction was held virtually from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 14. Donors had opportunities to bid on the hand painted figurines, purchase Talavera tiles in memory or in honor of a loved one that will be placed throughout the Casa Guadalupe Plaza and Prayer Garden, and make donations. The Catholic Foundation sponsored the online auction site.
Retreat House Director Dr. Verónica Rayas hosted an open house on Saturday, March 13 from noon to 3pm. She expressed tremendous gratitude to Bishop Mark and participating pastors and says she hopes to make this an annual event that will include the figurines being on display at participating parishes followed by an exhibit and a live auction. The goal is to raise $24,000 for the plaza and prayer garden. More importantly, the goal is to ensure that everyone knows that they have a home and a sacred space to retreat to at Casa Guadalupe. What better way to do that than to visit, spend some time in prayer, and purchase tiles to commemorate the ones you love and who taught you to pray? From now through April 30, the retreat house is on a mission to sell 50 tiles. Leave a lasting legacy at the retreat house with a purchase of tiles for $100 each.
Located on the outskirts of east El Paso, Casa Guadalupe Retreat House is an 11,000 square foot complex that includes a classroom, dining room, kitchen, 44 bedrooms, and a chapel. The center of the retreat house is the future Casa Guadalupe Plaza and Prayer Garden. The retreat house was founded in 2006 by Dr. and Mrs. Sal Mena and their family as Most Holy Trinity Retreat Center and reopened as Casa Guadalupe in 2018. Casa Guadalupe offers retreats, workshops, and conferences to help guide people in their spiritual journey.
To order your custom Talavera tiles, purchase custom merchandise, crafts, and artesanias, set up a tour or retreat, and donate, or for more information, please contact Verónica Rayas at vrayas@elpasodiocese.org or 915.342.7859.