La Ladrillera
La Ladrillera Project
Patricio Cabal and Bernardita Abarca de Cabal, active members of the Schoenstatt Movement for 24 years, have been leading the For God’s Labor Foundation (Pro Labore Dei) since 2010. Legally established in Guayaquil, Ecuador, this international foundation is headquartered in Nigeria and has additional branches in Peru and Colombia.
The mission of this project is to serve the most needy and forgotten through acts of mercy. In the impoverished sector of Guayaquil known as “La Ladrillera,” it supports 120 families through various initiatives. The main activities include catechesis for children, preparing them for the sacraments of baptism, first communion, confirmation, and marriage.
Additionally, educational talks on Family Orientation and Catholic Doctrine are offered every Saturday, addressing the prevalence of different sects in the area and ensuring Catholic representation.
The project provides food assistance three times a week, has built 32 homes, initiated micro-businesses, conducted medical brigades, provided scholarships for children, and supported proper burials for deceased family members. At its headquarters, 45 adults are served from Monday to Friday with various activities from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The team comprises four permanent staff members: a secretary, two part-time maintenance assistants, and a full-time driver, supported by 20 volunteers who assist based on the activities.
The project is sustained through donations from friends, institutions providing near-expiry food, a permanent clothing donation initiative, and an annual Bingo event. It aims to impart Schoenstatt’s spirituality to the community by forming prayer groups with an image of the Blessed Mother in each home. The Schoenstatt Youth visit these homes monthly, and marriage groups from the Movement offer baptism and premarital talks.
