Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Educating to Prevent: A Health Initiative Beginning in Childhood

February 26, 2026

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On February 18, Cabrini Guatemala officially presented the children’s book “No Virus Can Resist Good Habits,” an educational initiative that responds to one of today’s most pressing health challenges: the misuse of antibiotics and the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

This project was born from the commitment of a team of healthcare professionals, including a pediatrician from San José Dispensary – Dr. Cesar Anleu and Dr. Piera Ceschi, a veterinarian, in collaboration with international professionals from the Master’s Program in Global Health.

Inspired by the realities faced daily by the families served in our dispensaries, they chose to address this issue in a simple and approachable way—by educating children.

The book uses accessible language and friendly illustrations to teach essential habits such as proper handwashing, avoiding self-medication, and the responsible use of medicines. In this way, it promotes awareness from an early age and helps build a culture of prevention within the community.

The authors emphasized the importance of health literacy and educating children on these issues, focusing on children’s ability to understand and, even more importantly, to be part of the solutions in the future.

The event brought together partner institutions and representatives from national entities such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, along with professionals committed to promoting public health. It was a meaningful space for dialogue, collaboration, and shared commitment to the common good.

Children from our programs played a special role during the presentation, reading from the book and sharing short messages of gratitude. Their participation reflected the concrete impact of this initiative and reminded all present that education is a seed of hope.

This effort reflects the charism of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, who taught us to respond with creativity and courage to the needs of our time. Today, that mission continues through actions that protect life, strengthen families, and foster informed and responsible communities.

The book is distributed free of charge and may not be sold and is intended to contribute to efforts to combat this global health problem. It is written in English and translated into European and Latin American Spanish, Italian and German. The Missionary Sisters have a digital version available to share with those who are interested, especially, Cabrinian institutions around the world.

At Cabrini Guatemala, we reaffirm our commitment to integral health and education as tools for social transformation. We believe that forming good habits today is caring for the future of the next generations.

Getting Ready for Christmas as a Community

November 20, 2025

Each year, the season of Advent awakens in our community a spirit of preparation, reflection, and joyful creativity. 2025 has been no exception. Since the first days of November, Dispensario Madre Cabrini has been committed to guiding families through educational and communal experiences that nurture connection, learning, and the warm anticipation of Christmas.

One of these efforts is our Christmas Course, which began with enthusiasm. Both youth and adults joined with the desire to learn new culinary skills that, beyond technique, encourage teamwork, patience, and the joy of sharing.

During the first session, participants baked and decorated Christmas; in the second class, they built chocolate houses—an activity that filled the room with collaboration, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment. Although the course has only just begun, it is already leaving a meaningful impact on those who attend, reminding us that Christmas is also built through shared experiences and simple acts of care.

At the same time, our Vacation School has completed two vibrant and colorful weeks. The children have created a variety of Christmas crafts: decorative trees, nativity capsules, ornaments, and other handmade pieces that reflect the wonder of childhood. Each activity strengthens their creativity, motor skills, and ability to interact with others through respect,imagination, and joy.

Together, these two initiatives—one for adults and youth, the other for children—illustrate the profound meaning of preparing for Christmas as a community. Seeing so many people learn, create, and share reinforces our mission to accompany processes that transform lives in simple, everyday ways. At Cabrini Guatemala, we continue to light small, early sparks of Christmas: gestures of faith, unity, and service that announce the hope of the season.

Closing Ceremony – “Centro Chispa Modificado” Program

November 20, 2025

The Dispensario San José in Guatemala recently celebrated a meaningful milestone: the closing ceremony of the Centro Chispa Modificado program, 2025 cycle. The event was filled with joy, creativity, and a spirit of hope as the children who participated throughout the year shared how much they have grown—not only in skills, but also in confidence, awareness, and collaboration.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from our coordinator, Sister Concepción, who reminded everyone that Chispa is a space where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and discover their potential. Her invitation for more families to join the program felt especially significant as we witnessed the enthusiasm and openness of the children.

Throughout the morning, the participants offered moments that touched all of us deeply. Through games, shared laughter, and simple interactions, they created an atmosphere of closeness and unity. Their presence highlighted the importance of community programs that support, guide, and nurture the well-being of children.

One of the most moving moments was the presentation about children’s rights. Through dance and song, the children expressed—gently yet firmly—the importance of respect, protection, and opportunities for every child to grow in a safe and healthy environment.

Their creativity shone once again during the play “The Great Battle Inside Carlitos’ Body.” With imagination and charm, the children portrayed a story that taught the community about the responsible use of antibiotics and the importance of caring for one’s health. It was a memorable performance that combined learning, fun, and community awareness.

To close the event, the children performed a dance inviting everyone to reflect on peace, empathy, and the need to build environments free from violence. Their message, simple yet powerful, reminded us that children carry wisdom and that their voices deserve to be heard.

The ceremony concluded with the awarding of diplomas and special recognition for the children who showed dedication and perseverance throughout the year. With applause, smiles, and a shared snack, we celebrated the end of a cycle that leaves a lasting impact on each child, their families, and our community.

Explore, Learn, and Dream: Experiences That Transform Childhood

May 28, 2025

Childhood needs more than just basic care; it needs experiences that awaken curiosity, spark dreams, and invite children to discover the world with new eyes. Guided by this belief, the Shekiná and Positive Parenting programs from Dispensario Madre Cabrini, along with the Chispa Modificado program from Dispensario San José, recently carried out two unforgettable activities that left a lasting impact on the children involved.

Children from the Shekiná program and their mothers, participants in Positive Parenting, enjoyed a magical visit to the Zoo. For many, it was their first time seeing animals like giraffes, elephants, lions, or toucans up close. Their faces lit up with wonder, reminding us how important it is to create moments that connect children with nature and inspire new questions. Together with their mothers, they not only learned about the animal world, but also strengthened emotional bonds in a joyful, playful environment.

Meanwhile, the children from the Chispa Modificado program explored the fascinating world of the Children’s Museum. They moved through educational stations where science, art, communication, and daily life came alive through interactive exhibits. Every space was a chance to imagine, experiment, learn, and be amazed. More than just learning, the visit boosted their self-esteem and fueled their desire to grow.
These kinds of experiences go beyond education—they dignify childhood and reflect Cabrini Guatemala’s commitment to the families we serve each day. Because one joyful moment can plant the seed of hope in a child’s heart.