Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Punta Gorda Town and the Toledo District of Belize
Our Parish
Welcome from the Pastor
More than 150 years ago, Belgian Jesuit Fr. Jean Genon had to choose between Spanish-controlled Guatemala and an English-controlled colony in what is now southern Belize. He decided there was greater love in this unnamed settlement of Garinagu and more need of a church, and that is how St. Peter Claver Parish got its start.
​
Since the time of Fr. Genon, the Maya of Guatemala migrated into southern Belize, so the Parish had to extend its coastal outreach into the Maya Mountains. St. Peter Claver RC Church now serves 32 village churches and 29 primary schools spread throughout our Toledo District.
​
The Toledo District is the southernmost and poorest district of Belize, with a poverty rate of 63 percent. Our 110 school buildings are full of termites, bats, pigeons, mold, killer bees, and water damage, while lacking books, school supplies, teacher-aids, and furniture. Worst of all, according to UNICEF, one-third of our Toledo children are stunted with malnutrition. And yet…
​​
Fr. Matt Ruhl, S.J.
Overlooking the Caribbean, Toledo has great beauty along its coast and into the mountains. We have many rivers, lush jungles, gorgeous skies, and a magnificent host of flora and fauna. We have warm wonderful people in the Garinagu, Kekchi and Mopan Maya, along with East Indians, Creole, Spanish, Chinese, and Mennonites. Yes, we have considerable struggles, but the Toledo District is a magnificent locale with beautiful people.
​
Please help St. Peter Claver serve the good people of of the Toledo District. Keep us in your prayers, and be certain of our prayers for you.
Toledo District is the southernmost and least populated of Belize's six administrative districts. Even though it doesn't get as many tourists as other parts of the country, Toledo has many beautiful sites and tremendous cultural richness.
Our main parish church, St. Peter Claver, is in Punta Gorda Town, the largest settlement in Toledo District. Punta Gorda is a melting pot of Garifuna, Mestizo, East Indian, Creole, and Mayan cultures.
We also have 32 churches and 29 schools across many villages in the area. Most of the villages have Mayan populations whose main language is either Kekchi or Mopan.
In earlier days, the Jesuits and other priests assigned to St. Peter Claver Parish would walk from village to village, taking about a month to make the circuit. Once the priest arrived in a village, he would celebrate Mass and other sacraments and teach the faith. When it was time to move on to another village, a group would accompany him halfway to next village, who had their own group waiting to show him the way.
​
Roads to the villages have arrived over the last few decades, meaning the villages can be reached in a vehicle, often on very rough roads. Some of the farthest villages still take up to three hours to reach by truck.
Where We Serve
CONTACT US
Physical Address:
95 Front Street
Punta Gorda, Belize
​
Mail:
P.O. Box 25
Punta Gorda, Belize
​
Phone:
+501 652-9802
​
