On Thursday, March 30th, the diocesan phase of the process of beatification of the Servant of God, Father Hernán Alessandri, who died on December 18, 2007, was officially opened.

This solemn ceremony was presided over by the Cardinal Archbishop of Santiago, Monsignor Celestino Aós who established and formed the Tribunal responsible for the diocesan process (photo right):

• President: Father Jerónimo Walker (diocesan priest).
• Promoter of Justice: Father Francisco Cruz (diocesan priest).
• Notary: María Marcela Corvalán (canon lawyer).

In this ceremony, the documents pertinent to the opening of the process were read, the members of the Tribunal were sworn in and the minutes of the opening of the process in its diocesan phase were read.

The diocesan phase is the first stage of a canonization process in the Church, where an exhaustive investigation is carried out on the life, virtues and reputation of sanctity of the Servant of God. During this phase, testimonies are gathered from people who knew him, giving evidence of his life and virtues. His writings are also investigated, his works are examined and the historical circumstances in which he lived are verified.

This is a moment of special joy and gratitude for all of us who were able to witness that Father Hernán Alessandri was an exemplary priest who authentically lived the Gospel and Christian values in our times. In Father Hernán we see a living and joyful testimony of a friendly priest, entirely dedicated to Christ, with a love for Mary through the Shrine, which made him willing to serve unconditionally those most in need, in very diverse initiatives, especially with vulnerable children.

An important characteristic of his priestly life was his great love and untiring service to the Church, which is God’s People, Marian, poor, familiar and pilgrim. Many still remember him as the ‘father on a bicycle’. He used to ride his two-wheeled vehicle through the streets of the neighborhoods of the popular West Zone of Santiago. In addition, he always knew how to provide them with his theological insights, which were clear, pedagogical and in tune with the signs of the times.

Undoubtedly it is a gift for the Church and the Schoenstatt Family that can once again, in the midst of the lights and shadows of the times we live in, confirm that the Risen Lord is still alive in our midst, inviting us to accompany this process with our prayers, Capital of Grace and serious striving for the sanctity of life through the strength of our Covenant of Love.

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