Rafael Bermudez arrived at NPH in 1974, at just five years old, accompanied by his five siblings. Today, after 20 years as the Director of NPH Mexico, his story is a testament to love, growth, and dedication to the cause that raised him.
Before joining the NPH family, Rafael was part of a large family, with six brothers and six sisters. He came from a small, impoverished town, which shaped his childhood. He was so young when he arrived at NPH that he had no clear memories of his biological mother. For a while, he even thought his older sister, Alicia, was his mother, until one day during a visit to NPH, she revealed the truth. That moment marked the beginning of his search for identity.
First Impression
Rafael’s first day at NPH was at the Cuernavaca home, where he underwent a social evaluation. As one of the youngest, he was assigned to Casa Colman, where nuns took care of the children. Adjusting was a difficult process for him. Coming from a rural, poor background, the vastness of NPH was overwhelming for him as a child. However, that first impression marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship.
Adaptation
Rafael, known within NPH as “Uncle Rafa,” struggled to adapt, especially because he was separated from his siblings, who were in different NPH homes miles away. He was used to always being close to them, and the distance caused him a lot of pain. However, over time, Father William Wasson’s vision of reuniting the entire NPH family at Casa San Salvador, located in Miacatlán, became a reality. This allowed Rafael and his siblings to be together again and to share their lives with all the other children who made up the NPH family.
A Safe and Welcoming Place
Rafael fondly remembers his first Christmas at NPH. The songs, the games, the piñatas, and the candy showed him that he was in a safe place where he and his siblings were welcome. Annual events, such as Holy Week activities and All Saints’ Day, made him feel part of a large family. NPH, thanks to Father Wasson’s legacy, became a refuge where Rafa found not only safety but also love and a sense of belonging.
Memories of Father Wasson
Father William Wasson left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew him, as well as on those who didn’t. His deep faith was evident in the way he lived and led. Rafael especially remembers the 5 a.m. masses at Casa Nolan, which he attended almost alone with Father Wasson. Those experiences left a lasting impression on him, to the point where he still keeps the objects used in those masses, reminders of the peace and simplicity that characterized those moments.
In addition, Bermudez was always curious about the origin of the name “Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos” (Our Little Brothers and Sisters). Father Wasson explained that, although it was difficult to find a suitable name, he wanted something that reflected the spirit of the organization without drawing attention to himself. Finally, he chose a biblical quote from Matthew 23:30, and thus the name was born, which today is synonymous with home for thousands of children, adolescents, young people, and even adults.
A Living Legacy
Father Wasson’s vision was not limited to Mexico. His belief that there were more children around the world who needed help led him to expand NPH to other countries like Honduras, Haiti, and beyond. With the help of committed volunteers like Reinhart and Father Rick, NPH became a large international family. Today, his legacy lives on, guiding NPH in its mission to provide love and care to children in need around the world.
Rafa, with his life story first as a beneficiary and now as the national director of NPH Mexico, wants to continue this legacy. “For me, the greatest gift is to accompany and support each of the children through their different stages of life. Seeing them graduate from high school and then seeing them become university students is a great motivation to continue with the mission that Father Wasson entrusted to us all. Because that was what he wanted—for us to be a big family—and I believe it will be that way for another 70 years,” Bermudez concluded.