Saint John's Benedictine Volunteer Corps

Prayer, Service, and Community Living Worldwide to Transform Lives

Abadía de Jesucristo Crucificado
Esquipulas, Guatemala

Work of the SJBVC

Abadía de Jesucristo Crucificado is a thriving Benedictine monastery located in the beautiful town of Esquipulas, Guatemala. With a rich history and a vibrant community of monks and laypeople, the monastery is dedicated to serving the local community and promoting spiritual growth and development.

Each year, Abadía de Jesucristo Crucificado welcomes volunteers who come to teach English and participate in the life and work of the community. The volunteers' main work is teaching English to 4th-6th grade students at Colegio San Benito Esquipulas, a local school supported by the monastery. Through engaging lessons and interactive activities, volunteers help students improve their language skills and broaden their horizons.

Volunteers also have the opportunity to get involved in pastoral work, helping to promote the spiritual well-being of the local community. This may include participating in religious services, counseling, or providing other forms of support and care to those in need. In addition to teaching and pastoral work, volunteers participate in gardening and other maintenance activities that help keep the monastery and surrounding areas looking their best. This hands-on experience allows volunteers to learn about sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and the importance of community service.

At Abadía de Jesucristo Crucificado volunteers have the opportunity to connect with the local community and form deep and lasting relationships with both the monks and the people they serve. Whether through teaching, pastoral work, or gardening, volunteers play an essential role in promoting the mission of the monastery and in making a positive difference in the lives of those they encounter.

 

Those Who Have Served

2007-2008: Michael Anderson & Liam Sperl

2008-2009: Phil Hanson & Theo Eggermont

2009-2010: Adam Sheldon & Luke Ekelund

2010-2011: Adam Gentner & Kenan Woodberry        

2019-2020: Michael Garber & James Gathje

2020-2021: Bardia Bijani Aval

2023-2024: Joe Rossebo, Peyton Reece

2024-2025: Fredi Ponce Parra, Scott Spangler