Youth from the Christian Life Movement Bring Hope to Hospitalized Children in Piura
Every Sunday morning, a group of young people from the Christian Life Movement (CLM) gathers at Cayetano Heredia Hospital in Piura. The volunteers of Siloé share moments of prayer, catechesis, and music with hospitalized children and their families, bringing messages of hope amid illness.
Siloé Piura Volunteers.
Angélica Castillo, the coordinator of Siloé, explained that their preparation includes training for the volunteers, ensuring that each message of faith is delivered in the most effective and meaningful way. “A diocesan priest accompanies us as a spiritual advisor, and together with him, we plan the weekly topics for the volunteers.”
The Sunday program begins with a team prayer, followed by visits to the pediatric wards, where the volunteers, in small groups, share the Gospel and catechesis with the children and their parents. The visit is complemented by songs and activities designed to ease, even if only for a moment, the burden faced by the families.
Siloé: A Family of Volunteers
The testimonies of the volunteers reflect the impact Siloé has both on them and on those they serve. For Pieryna Mezones, being part of Siloé is “a unique experience.” “It’s not just a group of volunteers; it’s a family,” she says. “In Siloé, faith is translated into action, and Christ’s love is lived out in service to others. Every smile, every tear I wipe away, fills me with joy and a sense of purpose that warms my heart.”
The volunteers sing for the children.
Brihan Encalada highlights that his participation in Siloé has revealed to him the “infinite love that God has for us.” This apostolate has been a space for personal and spiritual growth, allowing him to “return to God’s path.”
On the other hand, Carlos Saavedra shares how serving in the hospital has heightened his sensitivity to the realities faced by the children and their families: “We bring them joy through activities, music, and, most importantly, the word of God to remind them they are not alone in this battle.” For Carlos, being part of Siloé is also a way to bring comfort and encouragement to the parents, who “fight every day in these rooms.”
“There Is More Joy in Giving”: Angélica’s Experience”
Finally, Angélica Castillo shares her experience as the coordinator of Siloé, expressing that it has been a challenge she embraced from her very first day as a volunteer. One of the testimonies that has impacted her the most is that of a ten-year-old boy whom they accompanied through his illness until his passing. “We had many sad and joyful moments, but above all, I cherish the testimony of his parents,” she shares.
During a Moment of Catechesis in Siloé.
“They always welcomed us with open arms, ready to dance and sing with us to bring joy to their son and to listen to the Gospel. Their gratitude has been a source of motivation for me, especially during times when the number of volunteers was low.”
This apostolate has also strengthened Angélica’s faith and her relationship with the Church: “The CLM, through Siloé, has allowed me to deepen my Catholic faith and live more closely with the Church.” In her own words, she summarizes what this service means: “There is more joy in giving than in receiving” (Acts 20:35), a truth she experiences every week in Siloé.