Padre Justiniano Baubin, Franciscan Priest, came to Patzun as missionary pastor in 1952. He lived and worked there until his death. During his time the mission where I serve (Hogar de las Ninas), the clinic (La Clinica Corpus Cristi) and the school (El Colegelio San Bernadino) were all built.

Padre died in December 1998. He held his flock together with gentle grace. His loss has been a huge blow to the Franciscan Sisters who live and work in Patzun.

I often saw Padre in the four years I overlapped with him in Patzun. I believe nop day at the mission passed without at least one visit from Padre.

Sara Merdes had the vision and faith to start the mission. Visiting Patzun she noticed children lingering at the church, no home or family in sight. Sara found an open field nearby and on her knees asked to Lord to bless Patzun with an orphanage and hospital. Sara's prayers focused on her daugher Janet, deceased in her youth. The Mission bear the name of Janet Merdes to this day.

I met Sara on my first visit to Patzun and have not seen her since. Sara is originally from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, of course, because it is the hub of the universe.