Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II

Casa
Peru
Lurín
Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II

Inaugurated on March 22, 1986, Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II was the beginning of a new kind of future for many. Then, the heads of a little girl and boy popped out.

Our Mission is to deliver high quality care and services to youth in Peru, providing many children with a safe and caring environment where they gain the confidence to develop skills that empower and enable them for a more promising future. It all started with the dream of Father Joe Walijewski, a missionary priest from the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Father Joe came to Peru in 1971 and spent

almost two decades in Villa El Salvador where he founded Christ the Savior Parish, Villa’s first parish. In 1978, Father Joe was sent to Poland, as the official representative of the Church in Peru, during Pope John Paul’s first visit to his homeland. Father Joe was among the few privileged to visit personally with the Pope, and during their conversation, Father Joe invited the Pope to visit the poverty of Peru. A few years later, in 1985, Father Joe had the opportunity to visit again with Pope John Paul II, and tell him about his dream of building a home for poor and abandoned children, during his first papal visit to Peru. The Pope, impressed with Father Joe’s commitment and enthusiasm, donated $50,000 which was used to begin the initial structure of the home which now carries his name. And so, after 17 years as pastor in Villa el Salvador, Father Joe moved to Lurín to start his next project, Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II

Father Joe found his inspiration after seeing how so many of Lima’s children live in desperate poverty. One day, while walking through the slums of Lima, he noticed what appeared to be a pile of old newspapers begin to move. These children, like so many street kids of Lima, had spent the night with only the newspapers to protect them. He thought to himself, “How can I go home to a warm bed, when so many children are living in these conditions?”

The orphanage began with two children, a foreign volunteer, and one tutor. One year later the orphanage was home to 32 children and six tutors. Currently, we have 64 children between 4 to 17 years old, and 24 Family Teachers. To learn more about the life and works of Father Joe Walijewski and the cause for his Beatification and Canonization, take a look at Father Joe's Guild http://frjoesguild.org/

11/05/2026

16/04/2026

Many people have asked where Msgr. Joseph Hirsch will be for the remainder of his time in Wisconsin.

His parish schedule is:

April 25 & 26 -
Sacred Heart, Nekoosa
St. Alexander, Port Edward's

May 2 & 3 -
Holy Family, Prairie du Chien

To get Mass times, go to www.diolc.org/parishes and search for the parish.

Msgr. Hirsch hopes to see you there!

30/03/2026

❤️ Help Bring Joy to the Children at Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II!

Every child deserves to feel celebrated, cared for, and remembered - and YOU can help make that happen.

We are gathering donations of everyday essentials for the kids at Casa Hogar, including school supplies, clothing, medical supplies, and other items that support them throughout the year. Every contribution - large or small - makes a meaningful difference.

📋 How to Help:
Casa Hogar has created a list of needed items that can be downloaded and shared at www.frjoesguild.org. When shopping, check the sales and clearance sections first - since we are in opposite seasons, clothing is frequently available at reduced prices!

Prefer a simpler option? Shop the 2026 Casa Hogar - Helping the Kids registry on Amazon. Items ship directly to us, and the registry also serves as a handy reference when shopping locally.

🎁 Don't Forget the Birthday Closet!
The Birthday Closet ensures that every child at Casa Hogar receives a gift on their birthday AND at Christmas - so that each child is celebrated, remembered, and given a moment of joy on their special day.

✈️ How do donations get there?
All items are transported directly to Casa Hogar by mission teams and volunteers. We are blessed to have groups traveling in May, June, July, and August who will carry donations with them. Each visitor is asked to bring a checked bag filled with donated items - and thanks be to God, nearly all teams are willing and able to do so!

🚗 Drop-Off & Pick-Up:
If you've purchased items or collected donations locally, drop-off or pick-up can be arranged by calling 608-791-2677. Amazon purchases ship directly to us.

Thank you for considering a way to support these children. Your generosity provides not just items - but dignity, celebration, and hope. 🙏

22/03/2026

Seventeen-year-old Mariana arrived at Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II in September 2025 from Huachipa, where she had been living with her aunt. From the beginning the it wasn’t like she had imagined. She feared there would be mistreatment and it would be a place she might be stuck in whether she liked it or not.

What she found instead was Father José. Kind teachers. Thursday dinners. Saturday movie nights. Family outings. Choir practice. And a guitar waiting to be learned. 🎸"I like learning to play guitar, making bracelets, and being part of Casa," she says now.

Teachers describe her as diligent, cooperative, and genuinely appreciative - someone who sees what Casa offers and chooses, every day, to lean into it. She's thoughtful and reflective, the kind of teenager who takes the opportunities in front of her seriously.

At 17, Mariana is in one of the most important seasons of her life - and she's spending it in a place that is helping her grow, belong, and discover who she is becoming.

🙏Consider Sponsoring Mariana

🎶 Mariana came in expecting the worst and found something worth staying for. Your sponsorship helps keep that something going. Visit frjoesguild.org or call 608-791-2677.

21/03/2026

She left. She missed it. She asked to come back. That says everything you need to know about Luna - and about Casa Hogar. 💛

Ten-year-old Luna first arrived at Casa in 2022, left in 2025 to live with her mother, and then – in her own words – she missed Casa and all the good things it offers. So she came back in January 2026, to the open arms of the Casa family her and sisters, Kim and Anjhely – needless to say, she was missed!

Luna loves the wide-open space at Casa, making it possible for a of 🌙 tag and 🏐 volleyball almost every night. She also likes time in the family with a board game or a good game of 🃏 Uno. She delights in 💃dancing, drawing, running, listening to K-Pop, and eating ceviche.

Her teachers describe her as fun, cheerful, and full of laughter - someone who brings joy into the room and and brightens the days of those around her. She sees Casa as a place where she can learn, grow in her faith, and continue building relationships with her sisters and friends.

She had a choice. She chose to come back. 🌟 And we’re all very glad she did.

🙏Consider Sponsoring Luna

💛 Luna knows Casa is worth coming back to. Help make sure it's always here waiting - for her and for every child who needs it. Learn more at frjoesguild.org or call 608-791-2677.

20/03/2026

Ten-year-old Ana María had been living first with her mother, then with her aunt in Lima, until her aunt could no longer care for her and brought her to Casa - where her cousins José Carlos and Estrella were already living. Family, already waiting. 💛

Teachers remember her expressive face when she arrived – especially the fear and uncertainty she carried – and how observant she was, quietly taking everything in. Her short hair stood out at first, something uncommon among the girls, reflecting her uniqueness. There were many changes in those first few days, but day by day, Ana Maria grew in comfort and confidence.

Adjusting also meant learning structure. At first, she noticed how many rules there were. Over time, those rules began to feel less like restrictions and more like part of belonging. Today she says she is grateful to be here because she feels like family and knows she can study and receive help with her homework.

🏀 Now she's all about basketball, Uno, and arts and crafts. 📚 Her favorite subject is Communication - fitting, for a girl who chooses her words with such care. 😊 And she will gladly tell you, with complete confidence: "I am kind."

She is discreet and thoughtful, careful with her words, especially when speaking about her family. In a place rooted in faith and encouragement, Ana Maria is slowly growing in confidence. What once felt unfamiliar is becoming home.

🙏Consider Sponsoring Ana Maria
🙌 Ana María didn't expect Casa to feel like family - and it surprised her in the best way. Help make sure that surprise keeps growing. Visit frjoesguild.org or call 608-791-2677.

19/03/2026

The first thing he did when he walked into Casa Hogar was hug his little brother. That’s Jeyccob. Seven years old and already leading with love. 💛

Jeyccob arrived at Casa, just two days after his little brother, Máximo. These little boys have found comfort in each other, the love of a brother’s hug makes the unknown a little less scary.

He was drawn to the 🛝playground and ⚽soccer field right away, and he especially loves playing soccer. Jeyccob enjoys dancing, studying, and his favorite meal is chicken. His love for his little brother is evident — he gave Máximo a big hug the moment he arrived.

Teachers describe Jeyccob as cheerful, affectionate, and loving. His presence brings joy to the home, and he is quickly settling into the rhythms of Casa life – chores, meals, study, play, faith – and thriving in each one.

At Casa Hogar, Jeyccob is discovering a space where he can grow in confidence, faith, and joy, knowing he is surrounded by care and his beloved brother by his side.

🙏Consider Sponsoring Jeyccob

🌟 Behind every thriving child is someone who chose to show up for them. Will you be that person for Jeyccob? Visit frjoesguild.org or call 608-791-2677.

18/03/2026

MMáximo came to Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II from Huayabo-Pachacamac, where he had been living with his grandmother, aunt, and siblings. The plan was for him to arrive with Jeyccob, his older brother, but due to some unexpected delays, the boys had to wait to begin the new journey together for two days. Once Jeyccob arrived, the boys have been inseperable.

From the moment he stepped into Casa, Máximo was full of curiosity and excitement. He loves the 🛝playground, enjoys 🎨 painting, dancing, and running, and his favorite meal is🐔 chicken with rice. He also speaks fondly of his sister and enjoyed taking walks with his grandmother when he lived with her.

Teachers describe him as affectionate, calm, and joyful. For a five-year-old stepping into something completely new, that's pretty remarkable. But then again - Máximo came ready to love his new home. He just needed it to love him back. It does. 💛

🙏Consider Sponsoring Máximo

✨ The youngest among us often remind us most clearly what hope looks like. Will you invest in Máximo's? Learn more at frjoesguild.org or call 608-791-2677.

17/03/2026

Jesús arrived at Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II in January 2026 just weeks after losing his father on Christmas Eve. After this unimaginable tragedy he stayed with his paternal aunts and cousins before he was able to move to Casa to be reunited with his older brother, Hernán who joined the family in 2025.

He is thoughtful and observant, especially for his age. He looks up to his older brother Hernán, whose calm and faithful example gives him comfort and a sense of safety. One teacher shared: "When Jesús arrived, he was very quiet and visibly sad. As the days passed, he began to adapt and show curiosity and joy - especially during Mass and community life. He is a gentle, cooperative child with a very good heart."

Jesús loves⚽ Soccer. 🎵 Music. 💃 Dancing. And making people laugh - he's good at that last one.

"Sometimes I get sad," he says honestly, "but I like being here with my brother and friends."

That honesty is part of what makes Jesús so remarkable. He doesn't pretend the grief isn't there. He just keeps going anyway - showing up to meals, to Mass, to the soccer field, to life. And slowly, a radiant smile is becoming his trademark.

His story is still unfolding. But it is moving, without question, toward hope.

🙏Consider Sponsoring Jesús

🕊️ Walking alongside a child through grief and into joy - that's what sponsorship looks like for Jesús. Will you walk with him? Visit frjoesguild.org or call 608-791-2677.

16/03/2026

Fair warning: she's funny and she can sing. She'd like you to know that upfront. 😄

Twelve-year-old Heiley came to Casa Hogar in January 2026 from Comas – a district of Lima - leaving behind her mother, brother, cousin, and stepfather. She was nervous. She had imagined a very different kind of place, maybe with nuns and strict rules and not much laughter.

What she found instead was kindness in the form of three new friends, Sandra, Anjhely, and Estrella – she felt welcomed which she hadn’t expected.

Teachers remember how attentively she listened when she first arrived, learning how the home worked, how the rhythms went. That attentiveness has become one of her strengths.

Heiley loves 🏐 Volleyball. ⚽ Soccer. 🎨 Drawing. 🎤 Singing. Sunday Mass. And yes - humor. Plenty of humor.

Casa Hogar isn't what she feared. It's a place where she gets to be exactly who she is - funny, talented, full of life - and grow into the young woman she's meant to become.

🙏Consider Sponsoring Heiley

🎶 Some kids just need an audience that believes in them. Will you be one of Heiley's? Learn more at frjoesguild.org or call 608-791-2677.

15/03/2026

When Xoana arrived, she was nervous at first, worried it might be run by nuns and that she might not be treated well. She was wrong – which she’ll happily tell you now.

Twelve-year-old Xoana arrived at Casa Hogar in February 2026 from Zapallal, a northern district of Lima where she had been raised by her aunts and grandmother. As an only child, her world was shaped by adults - so stepping into a home full of girls her own age was entirely new territory.

She arrived quiet, barely speaking. Teachers noticed how tall she was, how still she stood, how carefully she observed. And then, little by little, she has adapted beautifully, helping the family and showing care and kindness to those around her.

🎬 Saturday movies at Padre José's house. ⚽ Soccer on the field. ✏️ Drawing. Crafts. Religion class. Her spiritual sisters.

There's a thoughtfulness to Xoana that feels beyond her years - a quiet depth that now comes across as reflective rather than fearful. Her confidence is growing, and somewhere in her heart, she's quietly dreaming of visiting Spain someday.

🙏Consider Sponsoring Xoana
✨ Your sponsorship could be the reason a childlike Xoana stays, grows, and dares to dream a little bigger. Learn more at frjoesguild.org or call 608-791-2677.

Dirección

Bolivar Predio Centinela S/N
Lurín

Teléfono

+16087887700

Página web

http://www.frjoesguild.org/

Notificaciones

Sé el primero en enterarse y déjanos enviarle un correo electrónico cuando Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II publique noticias y promociones. Su dirección de correo electrónico no se utilizará para ningún otro fin, y puede darse de baja en cualquier momento.