Since 1996, the Puntiti Therapeutic Community has opened its arms to welcome children, adolescents, and young people with profound disabilities—many of them orphans or abandoned. Here, hospitality and charity are not just values; they are a way of life. Every smile, every word, every gesture of affection reflects the commitment of those who work in the center and the strength of the charism of the Sisters Hospitallers.
Aunque el camino no siempre es fácil, los recursos son limitados y las necesidades son inmensas, la fuerza de este hogar está en el amor incondicional, en la entrega de cada hermana y colaborador, en la solidaridad de voluntarios y donantes que comparten su tiempo, talento y generosidad.
Meet the testimonies of those who, day by day, work at Puntiti, sharing their experience of hospitality, affection, and service toward the children.
Elba Marca, a collaborator for eight years, shares that her work is guided by hospitality:
“First and foremost, with hospitality toward the children—with care, affection, and love… because the children here need a lot of love. We are like their mothers.”
María Solís, a nursing assistant with 23 years of experience, sees her work as an act of love and self-giving:
“My experience working in the center has been very good. I’ve learned many things—how to value life more, to be a better person, to give a little more of myself every day to the children. More than charity, my work is an act of love, of dedication—with patience, willingness, and gratitude for everything I’ve learned here from the children, the staff, and the Sisters. They have taught me values: respect for life, patience, hospitality, charity, and warmth in our work and service with the children.”
Patricia Vargas, administrative collaborator and head of health pastoral, highlights the value of the time spent with the children: “For me, my work is a service of vocation, a service of commitment because of the love I have for the children.
What makes this community different is the time we dedicate to our children through various activities—outings, social integration… That’s why we are Hospitallers. The most rewarding thing is receiving each day the smiles and affection the children give us despite their limitations. That has no price.”
Sr. Luzzia Da Silva, a Hospitaller Sister present in Puntiti for three years, recalls the depth of this mission: “I’ve been in the congregation since 1987, always serving people with mental illness.
Here is a school to learn to care for life, to protect it, and to defend the cause of the children—many of whom cannot even know their own names, nor speak, nor walk. Here we live out the charity and hospitality taught by Saint Benedict Menni, who was a witness to God’s mercy among those in need. In Puntiti, we are part of the children’s family—caring for them, helping them in everything, being their hands, feet, eyes, and voice—always in the service of God.”
In Puntiti, every act of love transforms lives and reaffirms that charity is not just assistance—it is healing, dignifying, and restoring hope to those who need it most.
