Family and Friends Unite in Faith as Missing Iowa Mother’s Search Continues
In a heartfelt display of hope and faith, family members and friends of Chris Leguisano, a 51-year-old mother of four from Iowa, gathered recently for a vigil at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Des Moines. Chris has been missing since August 9, 2024, after she traveled to Reynosa, Mexico, to deliver a truck full of belongings for her ex-brother-in-law. The family is determined to keep her memory alive and bring her home through the power of prayer.
The vigil was an emotional occasion, marked by candlelight, hymns, and an unwavering spirit of community support. Edgar Leguisano, Chris’s son, expressed his firm belief that prayer can work miracles. “As long as we continue to pray and fight for her return, she’ll be here,” he said, urging others to keep Chris in their thoughts and prayers daily.
Chris was expected to return to the United States the day after her arrival in Mexico, but when she failed to do so, her family quickly filed a missing person report. The uncertainty of her whereabouts has weighed heavily on her loved ones. “It’s been depressing, sad, not knowing where our mother could be at,” stated her daughter, Stephanie Quintana Leguisano, reflecting the anguish that many families face in similar situations.
The circumstances surrounding her disappearance have raised concerns, especially given the warnings from the U.S. State Department regarding the risks of kidnapping in border towns like Reynosa. Edgar noted that his family had traveled to Mexico many times without incident, making this sudden turn of events all the more shocking. “We’ve never encountered any situation of being held captive or being targeted as tourists,” he shared.
Adding to the distress, the family has received calls from unknown individuals demanding ransom for Chris’s safe return. This alarming development has prompted Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to advocate for more robust action from Mexican authorities in the search for Chris. Their involvement highlights the seriousness of the situation and the urgency for answers.
In a show of solidarity, the Leguisano family is inviting the community to attend mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church this Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., where they will dedicate the service to Chris. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of community and faith during trying times.
While the family remains hopeful, they are also realistic about the challenges ahead. “I want to be super optimistic, but at the same time trying to keep realistic as well,” said Brian Garay, Chris’s son. This balance of hope and realism is something many families in similar situations can relate to.
As the search continues, the Leguisano family emphasizes the importance of prayer and community support. They are not alone in their journey, and the collective faith of those around them serves as a source of strength. For updates on the situation and ways to support the family, you can follow local news outlets and community organizations dedicated to missing persons.
In a world where uncertainty can often feel overwhelming, the Leguisano family’s unwavering faith and commitment to bringing Chris home remind us all of the power of love, prayer, and community. Let us join them in prayer and hope for Chris’s safe return.