In 1998, Diana Thirion started raising funds to renovate a private home, formerly a prison during the Sandinista Revolution of 1978, into a school and orphanage to accommodate more than 150 children. This home had 39 interns (children who lived in the orphanage) and 150 externs (children who have been abused, children of the street, etc.) in Leon, Nicaragua, which was founded by the Bishop, Monsignor Cezar Bosco Vivas Robelo. In Managua, Diriamba and Jinotepe, the schools and orphanage had 67 interns and 1000+ externs and they were founded by the Nuns of the Servants of Our Lord. So much has been accomplished. The foundation is a tax deductible organization called Casa Jacinta y Francisco, of which Diana is the President. Casa Jacinta y Francisco is also a mission of St. William Catholic Church, in Naples, Florida.

In 1998, the orphanage was painted. These prison walls contained images of Nicaraguan Sandinistas with machetes and machine guns killing others and the military and the words written, “History is written with blood”.

In gratitude to God for her blessings, Diana felt the call to raise money and has given her life to God to assist the children in Nicaragua. She started by knocking door-to-door in Naples asking for financial help, because at that time Hurricane Mitch had just devastated Nicaragua.

Shortly after delivering the funds raised and surrounded by these children, she felt that she had found the place God called her to serve.

The horrific disaster of September, 11th was caused by evil, barbaric terrorists that have infiltrated countries throughout the world. The evil of the civil war in Nicaragua has caused similar pain to the Nicaraguan children and through our efforts, love and support, we will combat and some day make this world a better place.

We need to get these beautiful children off the streets and with love bring them closer to God and into schools where they can learn good scholastic and spiritual values. We are so blessed in our own lives and reaching out to these children is thanking God for our blessings. These children are the hope of Nicaragua. There is a need for people to be aware of the needs of young children since they are the future leaders of our world.