The Coffee and Faith Connection

As you sit down and drink your morning coffee, perhaps while listening to Relevant Radio, praying the Liturgy of the Hours or reflecting on the day’s Gospel you may be surprised to learn of a faith connection to what’s in your mug. More than just the cream, extra sugar or frothy milk have you ever thought about where your java comes from. Whether your routine is throwing in a k-cup, grinding beans or using a French press with every sip you could be part of a powerful story of faith and renewal.

Around 70% of Americans drink coffee every day and the average person spends nearly $2,000 per year on their cup of joe. There are coffee shops on almost every block, it’s clear that Americans love their coffee. But what if the thousands of dollars spent every year on coffee could help someone in need, support a sanctuary and connect you to a legacy of prayer and consecration. You might just find yourself reaching for a third cup and ditching the high end lattes.

In our faith, we believe that God can bring good out of every circumstance. In 1998, Central America was hit by Hurricane Mitch, one of the deadliest hurricanes on record. It caused great devastation to Honduras and Nicaragua, taking the lives of thousands and leaving their countries in shambles. This horrific destruction drew the attention of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal who arrived in in Honduras and then Nicaragua and founded the San Antonio Convent.

Years later at the request of the people, a sanctuary was built with a cross constructed reaching over 100 feet along with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  It was at this site that the largest Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary took place, with bishops, diplomats and civil authorities. In a country that had been destroyed by natural disaster now consecrating its dioceses, territories and sanctuary to Our Lady.

Alongside the sanctuary are coffee plantations over 60 years old, which the Friars began to restore as a way to support the sanctuary. The St. John Paul II Farm, high in the mountains of Nicaragua produces coffee that is within the top 3% of the best coffee beans in the world. This sanctuary and its coffee helps support a faith community, local farmer s and their families.


MONDAY ONLY SPECIAL PREMIUM $25/MONTH LEVEL – Relevant Radio 25th Anniversary Guadalupe Gold Gift Set – When you make a gift of $300 you will receive the Relevant Radio 25th Anniversary Guadalupe Gold Gift Set. Not only will you get Guadalupe Gold Coffee – St. John Paul II Roast, from Nicaragua but you will also receive a Santa Clara Candle and a Rosary. All of this is sourced, made, and assembled by Catholic families in Nicaragua. Your donation is not only helping Relevant Radio, but also supporting hardworking Catholic families in Central America. This gift set is a beautiful and inspiring gift for the coffee lover in your life. And the next time you pick up your mug, you will know that it’s more than just a cup of coffee you are enjoying.

Give Now

If you have already given to support our Give from the Heart Pledge Drive, thank you for your generous support!

John Hanretty serves as a Digital Media Producer for Relevant Radio®. He is a graduate of the Gupta College of Business at the University of Dallas. Besides being passionate about writing, his hobbies include drawing and digital design. You can read more of his daily articles at relevantradio.com and on the Relevant Radio® app.