Las Memorias Expands with New Women’s Dormitory Dedicated to Mother Antonia 

For ten years, Tony Granillo was incarcerated in El Pueblito de La Mesa prison, where he met Mother Antonia, the “Prison Angel.” Her presence, he recalls, radiated love, peace, and mercy. Even the guards and officers respected her; when she was there, no one dared to harm anyone. 

Tony vividly remembers the 1984 prison riot, when chaos overtook the facility—until Mother Antonia’s calm voice came over the loudspeaker: 

“My children, this is your Mama Antonia. I ask you in the name of God, put down your weapons.” Miraculously, the riot ended in silence.

After his release, Tony turned his life around. He stopped using drugs in 1996 and dedicated himself to helping others. In 1998, he co-founded Las Memorias, a shelter for people living with HIV/AIDS in Tijuana. What began with one patient and eight volunteers has grown into a thriving community of over 100 residents, guided by compassion, healing, and dignity. 

Mother Antonia personally encouraged him in this mission, asking him to care for former inmates living with HIV/AIDS. Her words continue to guide him today: 

“Tony, you have to be kind and a gentleman. Always help people.” 

This year marks another milestone for Tony and the Las Memorias family. The shelter has just completed a second story addition, creating a new women’s dormitory dedicated to Mother Antonia. 

At the dormitory’s dedication, Tony expressed his heartfelt gratitude: 

“Many thanks to the Eudist Servants of the 11th Hour for supporting and believing in this important project dedicated to our beloved Mother Antonia. I wanted it because she has made me grow as a man, as a person, but above all as a human being.” 

Through his tireless service, Tony continues to embody Mother Antonia’s legacy—bringing love, hope, and dignity to those most in need. For him, she remains ever-present: 

“She taught me responsibility, commitment, and love. I cannot betray that. She is still with us.”

Together we continue to honor Mother Antonia’s mission- to bring God’s love to the poor, imprisoned and sick. Your prayers, friendship and generosity sustain this sacred work.

Sincerely,

Eudist Servants & Associate Volunteers
www.eudistservants.org

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