18th Birthdays at Amigos

How we celebrated our 18-year-olds in 2025

This past December, we gathered all of our 18-year-olds to share in celebration of starting a new chapter in their lives. The festivities kicked off with a retreat at Centro de Retiros Las Milpas, a beautiful retreat center historically run by Passionist priests. The retreat included shared meals, reflection and discussion activities, and recreation, as well as activities led by Father Kike, the dynamic priest who leads the retreat center. We closed out the retreat with Mass followed by personal letters given to each of the 18-year-olds from important people in their lives.  

After the retreat, the jovenes (young people) went shopping for a nice outfit for the party back at Amigos de Jesús, with funds provided by Amigos. The party started with a liturgy service in the chapel, followed by our traditional bridge ceremony. With their padrinos (caregivers) of choice, each joven in turn walked across the bridge to symbolize their transition from childhood to adulthood.

Following the bridge ceremony, we shared a nice dinner, brindis (cheers) and cake, took many photos, and danced the waltz.

Next Steps

These young men and women, since turning 18, are now a part of the Pathways to Independence program. This program facilitates transition to independent living by providing housing and financial assistance for one year, as well as fostering connections with safe adults in Honduran society that already know and love these young people. Connections include family members, former Amigos padrinos or madrinas, and other trusted adults from their lives. While looking for independent housing (if not moving in with a safe connection), Amigos provides six months of housing in our house in the local town as well as a monthly stipend for one year. All of the young adults, regardless of where they are living, are able to receive the monthly stipend to help them start to save and cover basic living costs for this first year of independence.  

Most of these 18-year-olds are looking for work and are soon starting university education. We are hopeful that these young adults will make a healthy transition into adult life – they have bright futures ahead of them! Thank you for your generosity and support of our young people!  

Upcoming in 2026

Ash Wednesday Mass & Lenten Luncheon | February 18, 2026

ADJ Annual Golf Outing | May 11, 2026