Little did Prior Lake resident Pat Klein know nearly a decade ago that he was being blessed by the future leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.
In 2015, Klein and several others affiliated with the “Friends of Chimbote” nonprofit organization that originated in Prior Lake made their annual trek to Peru. The group went out for dinner one evening and ended up seated next to a table with seven bishops who had gathered for the beatification ceremony honoring local priests who had been murdered by the militant group, Shining Path. Those at the two tables soon struck up a conversation, and it was Bishop Robert Prevost who served as a translator.
Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV, elected earlier this month in the papal conclave following the death of Pope Francis. Prior to the appointment, he served as the Bishop of Chiclayo, appointed to serve northern Peru. A native of Chicago, Leo was fascinated that sitting next to him were men from Minnesota and North Dakota, talking about work that started decades ago to provide assistance for the poor in that region. At the end of the conversation, he gave a special blessing to Klein, as its chairman, and asked that he continue his work in Chimbote.
“He was a very nice man, and very well-spoken,” Klein said. “He had no ego. He’s been known for decades for being a strong advocate in helping the poor.”
In the late 1990s, former Prior Lake businessman Bob Cikanek heard the pleas to help when the pastor of the Chimbote parish, Father Jack Davis, spoke at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Thus began the relationship between the two church communities, which still exists today.
Cikanek initially raised $5,000 from church members with the intent that the funds be used for purchasing wheelchairs. He then introduced fundraising efforts to local service organizations, and received ongoing financial contributions from the Prior Lake Rotary Club. Other metro clubs and individuals have made substantial donations, thus enabling Friends of Chimbote to continue its mission to positively impact the living conditions for those living in the Peruvian city of 400,000 known for its poverty.
The organization has transitioned over time to address changing needs. Donations have enabled the creation of several vocational training programs in Chimbote for young mothers; a culinary school and bakery; and sewing school. In 2019, its biggest project to date was launched with a filtration system that would bring safe drinking water to the barrio. After years of work and many trips back to Peru, it became a reality earlier this year.
“People there are so open and wonderful,” said Michelle Jirik, Klein’s daughter who now serves as treasurer of the organization. “All they want is a better life for their family members.”
She adds that the Catholic church is very prominent throughout Peru, and most projects need the blessing of the church if they are to succeed. Based on that assumption, those who lead Friends of Chimbote are confident their efforts will continue to help improve living conditions well into the future for those who live there, given the new Pope’s familiarity with its purpose.
“We started a culture that brought us to where we are now,” Klein said. “Our nonprofit is more about giving a hand up than a handout. I believe Pope Leo will be really good for Friends of Chimbote, and the world. He’s a centrist and a unifier. It will be exciting to see what he will do.”
