St. Francis HS Students Honored for Tijuana Mission Service

St. Francis HS Students Honored for Tijuana Mission Service

(ANS – Watsonville – March 20, 2026) – During the solemn celebration of the Mass of St. Joseph on March 19 at Mary Help of Christians Church, the community of St. Francis High School recognized students for their generous service during the recent Tijuana mission trip.

In the presence of the entire student body, representatives of the Salesian mission – Juan Carlos Montenegro, delegate for mission animation; Fr. Fabian Cardenas, delegate for youth ministry; and Luis Chacon, coordinator of the Salesian Missionary Volunteer Program – presented the recognitions.

The Tijuana Short Mission Trip, active since 2018, continues to offer young people a profound experience of faith, service, and encounter. This year, 20 students participated, including 10 returning missionaries, highlighting the lasting impact of the initiative. Kristie and Kyran were especially recognized for their 4 consecutive years of participation and received a missionary cross as a sign of leadership and commitment. The community also expressed gratitude to Chris Croghan for his dedicated coordination of the program. The celebration concluded with a moment of fraternity, reaffirming the Salesian commitment to forming young people as protagonists of faith, service, and responsible leadership.

[The Salesian educational presence in Watsonville dates to 1921.]