Lives Touched by San Vicente Pastoral Center

Manuel Sacramento Ramos Lalupu receives care at San Vicente Pastoral Center.

The San Vicente Pastoral Center in Piura, Peru, provides an important support system for community members facing various life challenges. Daily visits help some clients find daily purpose. Others visit the Center to rebuild strength after a medical emergency. Regardless of the reasons for visiting San Vicente Pastoral Center, their narratives demonstrate how the Center creates meaningful relationships while providing practical assistance, embodying a mission recognizing each person’s dignity and need for community.

José Córdova Neyra

At 91, José Córdova Neyra is a beloved regular at the San Vicente Pastoral Center in Piura. Born on November 29, 1933, in Frías, Ayabaca, José spent his childhood in his hometown before migrating to the city of Piura at age 18.

Throughout his working years, José worked for various companies and raised five children, though only two remain alive today. When asked about his grandchildren, he simply smiles and says there are “a lot”—too many to count.

Every morning, José arrives early at the Center with his small notebook to have his blood pressure checked. This daily ritual, which he has maintained for many years, brings structure and meaning to his life. Living just steps from the Center, “Don José,” as everyone affectionately calls him, finds friendship and community there. He participates enthusiastically in all Center celebrations and has become a cherished figure among staff and visitors alike.

Manuel Sacramento Ramos Lalupu

Manuel Sacramento Ramos Lalupu worked as a driver to support his family, including his four-month-old baby, while helping with farming during his days off. At 44, Manuel faced one of life’s greatest challenges with remarkable courage. It was during one of these agricultural workdays that Manuel experienced a severe headache that progressed to seizures. Medical imaging revealed a blood clot in his brain, requiring two complex surgeries.

Though the operations were successful, Manuel needed extensive physical therapy to regain strength in his extremities. His family, having already sold many possessions to cover the surgical costs, turned to the San Vicente Pastoral Center for help. Recognizing the family’s struggle, the Center decided to subsidize Manuel’s therapy sessions, providing crucial support during a time when he could not work to support himself and his young family.

Today, Manuel’s recovery has progressed remarkably well. He expresses gratitude for the assistance that has helped restore his dignity and hope. For the Center, Manuel’s improving health represents the impact of their mission—helping community members rebuild their lives and return to wholeness.

Though José and Manuel come from different generations and circumstances, their stories intertwine at the San Vicente Pastoral Center, where compassion transcends age and hardship. José, in his twilight years, has found a second family among the staff and visitors who greet him each morning, while Manuel discovers renewed strength and possibility with each therapy session.

The Center embodies St. Vincent de Paul’s belief that genuine care extends beyond material support to recognize the inherent dignity in every person. As José continues his faithful morning visits and Manuel progresses in his recovery, they demonstrate an approach that combines practical assistance with personal connection. Their experiences reflect the continued relevance of St. Vincent de Paul’s principles in addressing contemporary needs, creating a supportive environment where community members help one another through life’s challenges.