A Bolivian orphanage – supported by an extensive mission outreach of the Archdiocese of St. Louis

A group of about 30 from the Archdiocese of St. Louis recently visited Hogar Villegas. They left impressed by the spotless facility, the care the children receive and the love that is shown.

Rosario Arnao, administrator of Hogar, said many of the babies arrive suffering from malnourishment. Most of the babies are dropped off, placed in a turnstile basket anonymously. Many others are abandoned in hospitals by women who had entered to give birth under a false name. Portions of Bolivia are considered among the poorest areas in the hemisphere.

"One baby we named Francis was left in a bag near the Church of St. Francis," Sister Rosario said. "Another, Julio, was left July 16 on the altar at St. Augustine Church. (The baby) was left with the hope that Our Lord would take care of the child. Others are simply left in bags at the plaza nearby," she said.

The babies arrive at an average weight of 4.4 pounds, Sister Rosario noted, and are more susceptible to pneumonia, bronchitis and other conditions. "They are truly abandoned children," she said.

The children are adopted mainly by families from Europe. The United States has not signed an agreement with Bolivia allowing the adoptions, Sister Rosario said.

Here’s the link to the Archdiocesan mission site – they support programs in Belize, Kenya and the Philippines as well. Very impressive!