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July 5, 2009 Issue

Forty-seven years after leaving Cuba as teenagers and living in Guardian Angel Home in West Peoria, the nine reunion participants pose with former home chaplain Fr. Richard Mullen in Champaign June 27 –- Photo by Dean Olson

Still grateful after 47 years

The Fourth of July weekend is all about gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy in the United States.

But for 14 people who came to this country from Cuba as unaccompanied teenagers in 1962, last weekend was a treasured chance to say “thank you” — to God as well as to individuals and groups in the Diocese of Peoria who welcomed and guided them.

“We owe everything to them,” said Ricardo Jiminez, now of North Port, Fla., following an emotional reunion of nine of the original group of 14 who found support and a fresh start at Guardian Angel Home in Peoria in the early 1960s.

Also In This Issue...

Youth take faith to heart of the city

Family ‘Milestone’ gift: $1 million

Judge orders state to maintain social services

Diocese honors jubilarians, newly ordained

St. Paul, underground church, come to life in Pontiac

Community of St. John offers rosary CD set

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