Twenty Years Later – A Legacy That Lives in Us
Twenty years after Father Wasson’s passing, his legacy is not only found in the homes he founded or the children whose lives were transformed. It lives on in the countless moments of compassion that continue to shape our mission today.
Rafael Bermúdez recalls one such moment from Father Wasson’s visit to Mexico.
Father had asked Rafael to bring a group of boys from one of the NPH homes who had earned the nickname “the Alcatraces” because of their constant misbehavior. Many of the other children were puzzled.
“Why would Father invite the boys who are always getting into trouble?” they asked. “Why not those of us who behave well?”
Rafael simply replied, “He is our Father. He must have a message he wants to share with them.”
During lunch, Father Wasson took time to speak with each boy individually. He asked each one their name, listened to their story, and gently encouraged them to make better choices.
Then he came to the last child.
“What is your name?” Father asked.
“Guillermo,” the boy replied.
“My namesake!” Father smiled. “And why are you here? What did you do?”
The boy answered with complete innocence.
“Father… I don’t even live in that house. I live at the hacienda. I saw the yellow school bus filling with children, so I climbed on and hid in the back. When I got here, I saw all the food and the swimming pools… that’s why I’m here.”
The room filled with laughter.
But beneath the humor was a beautiful lesson.
Father Wasson never began by judging children because of what others said about them. He looked beyond labels, reputations, and mistakes to see the person standing before him. And through young Guillermo’s innocent honesty, everyone was reminded that children often teach us as much as we hope to teach them.
Twenty years later, Father Wasson’s example continues to challenge us.
Who are the “Alcatraces” in our own lives—the people who have been misunderstood, overlooked, or judged too quickly? Do we take the time to know them as Father Wasson did, seeing not only their struggles but also their dignity and potential?
How are we helping carry forward his legacy today? Through our work, our kindness, our generosity, our advocacy, our prayers, or simply by choosing to treat every person with the love and respect they deserve?
Perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer Father Wasson is not simply to remember him, but to continue living the values that defined his life. His mission is no longer only his—it is ours.
May this anniversary renew our commitment to become instruments of hope, so that future generations may experience the same love, dignity, and belonging that Father Wasson believed every child deserves.
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25,40
Paz y bien.
A Prayer of Gratitude for Father Wasson
Loving and faithful God,
Today, we pause in gratitude as we remember Father Wasson, whose life became a living reflection of Your compassion. Twenty years have passed since You called him home, yet the seeds of love he planted continue to flourish in the lives of thousands of children, families, colleagues, volunteers, and friends around the world.
Thank You for giving him the courage to see every child not as a burden, but as a beloved son or daughter worthy of dignity, opportunity, and unconditional love. When others saw limitations, he saw possibility. When others turned away, he opened his heart.
Lord, help us never to allow his legacy to become merely a memory. May it remain a living mission carried forward through our own hands, our own voices, and our own choices. Teach us to welcome those who feel forgotten, to protect those who are vulnerable, and to love without expecting anything in return.
When our work becomes difficult, remind us of Father Wasson’s unwavering faith. When we grow weary, renew our hope. When we are tempted to focus on obstacles, help us to see people before problems and love before limitations.
May every child who finds safety, every young person who discovers hope, and every family that experiences compassion become a testament to the vision You placed in his heart.
We entrust Father Wasson to Your eternal embrace, confident that the love he shared on earth now finds its fullness in Your presence.
May we be worthy stewards of the mission he began, so that generations yet to come may know they are loved, valued, and never alone.
Amen.
This testimony reminds us of the infinite mercy God offers us through loving people like Father Wasson.
Every day is an opportunity to renew this commitment of generosity that transforms the lives of hundreds of children, teenagers, young adults, and families.
A massive thank you to all the collaborators, donors, and other benefactors who work to honor Father Wasson’s legacy and memory!
If you would like to be part of this mission, take the next step.
