Photo provided by Kim KnoxGREENSBORO — The El Salvador Ministry of the Franciscan Center and St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, under the leadership of Father Louis Canino, OFM, recently hosted three Salvadoran scholarship students during a four-day visit to Greensboro.
Iris Canenguez, Roberto Arriaga and Alex Rivas, along with their adult program director, Nuria Monico, are participating in the scholarship program and community development work that the Franciscan Ministries have supported in poor rural areas since it began this outreach program in 1999. This was the first time the students had ever left El Salvador, and they were very excited by many things that we take for granted. Easy access to safe drinking water, modern bathrooms, and a cold early morning frost were all new and thrilling experiences.
One of the highlights of the Salvadoran students’ trip was a visit to Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville and the warm hospitality they received from the staff, the teachers and students. During their visit, the group spoke to two religion classes and a Spanish language and culture class. They also enjoyed participating in a choral music class.
The Salvadoran students were very happy to share their joy over the recent canonization of St. Oscar Romero, the archbishop of San Salvador who was killed by a military assassin while saying Mass in 1980.
The students and faculty were very deeply touched by the stories of the three Salvadoran students.
The Franciscan Ministries hope to sponsor more students and provide more educational opportunities through this program.
For details, contact Ann Bauer at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 336-573-3751.
— Joe Bauer, Albamaria Rivera and Edgardo Gonzales, Special to the Catholic News Herald
Joe Bauer serves at the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. Bishop McGuinness High School seniors Albamaria Rivera and Edgardo Gonzales served as hosts and translators to the visiting students. Rivera is from Nicaragua and Gonzales was born in El Salvador and holds dual American and El Salvadoran citizenship.