Mission of Friendship
Misión de Amistad or Mission of Friendship began in 1971 when Archbishop Manuiel Ruiz Castro, Archbishop of Yucatán, and Bishop Alfred M. Watson, Bishop of Erie, established a cooperative relationship between the two dioceses.
Mission of Friendship, centered in Christ, provides opportunities for the people of the Archdiocese of Yucatán and the people of the Diocese of Erie and the broader United States to grow in faith and love through friendship and service while sharing their gifts, talents and cultures with the hope of alleviating poverty and bring about justice.
Mission of Friendship programs:
Sister Parish Programs
This program partners parishes in the Archdiocese of Yucatan with parishes in the Diocese of Erie encouraging an exchange of faith and culture.
Los Amiguitos Day Care Center
This center provides care for about 30 children ranging in age from 3 months to 4 years old whose mothers must work to support their families. Children receive meals and participate in educational activities in a loving atmosphere.
Nueva Vida After School Enrichment Program
Elementary school age girls receive supervision, meals, academic tutoring and enrichment classes on weekday afternoons in a loving environment.
Amigos Family Sponsorship Program
Sponsors are linked with a child or famly from Yucatan. Their monthly support helps to provide education, food and clothing.
Medical Dispensary
A medical dispensary is of service for people of low income neighborhoods in the south of Merida.
Visiting Groups
The Mission of Friendship affords adult and college groups the opportunity to experience another culture within the context of faith and service.
Office of Diocesan and International Missions
Indira Suarez, Director
Phone: (814) 824-1231