Our story

A painting of a church with mountains in the background

Casa Franciscana Mission

Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico

The mission dates back to 1968 when the Mexican Obregon Diocese asked the Franciscan Province of Saint Barbara in California to provide pastoral care to the English-speaking community in San Carlos, Mexico.


The friars agreed to minister this care to the San Carlos community under the condition that they could also serve the poor in the neighboring city of Guaymas. From those humble beginnings, the seeds of our mission sprouted and grew.

Casa Franciscana Outreach (CFO)

Scottsdale, Arizona, United States

Casa Franciscana Outreach (CFO) in Scottsdale, Arizona is the supportive arm of the mission north of the border.


CFO aims to support mission programs through fundraising to address the fundamental needs of the poor, homeless, hungry, and marginalized.


By embracing St. Francis of Assisi's joyful and prophetic spirit, we promote social justice, peace and care for creation.

The Casa Franciscana Mission is also an Asociación Civil (A.C.) in Mexico, equivalent to a 501(c)(3) in the United States.
It maintains a separate board  in Guaymas to meet Mexico's requirements.
CFO was established in 1988 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.The two boards function collaboratively.

Empowering Guaymas


Our Mission serves Guaymas' marginalized population through a free medical/dental clinic, dining room, home-bound food packages, and support for a migrant shelter, primarily benefiting four of the city's poorest neighborhoods. Partnering with Shriners Hospitals, it facilitates care for children with orthopedic and burn needs in Phoenix. The Mission has also developed programs like Hogar de Paz orphanage, Jerry’s Club after-school program, and Belles Artes music academy, which have become self-sustaining community institutions supported by local boards and the community.