A new Schoenstatt Father: Fr. Lucas Chiappe ordained priest in Argentina

Lucas Chiappe, from the Secular Institute of the Schoenstatt Fathers, was ordained priest by the bishop of Quilmes, Monsignor Carlos Tissera. The Mass was celebrated on Saturday, November 25, in the Church of God the Father, in New Schoenstatt in Florencio Varela. Schoenstatt and diocesan priests concelebrated the Mass.

In the homily, Monsignor Tissera stressed: “The fruitfulness of our life depends on the union with Christ. The glory of the Father is found in our bearing much fruit. The fruitfulness of man glorifies God who, in creating him, told him: ‘Be fruitful,’ and prayer has much to do with this fruitfulness”.

“The fruitfulness of life is not found simply in producing, in multiplying works, in spending energies, in the sum of plans and projects, but in the intensity of your love for your brothers and sisters,” he stressed.

You have witnessed and shared Mary’s love

Addressing the ordained, Monsignor Tissera said: “You will be the one who will preside over the community of the missionary disciples of Jesus, breaking the Bread of life, by your gestures and words you will consecrate the Body and Blood of Christ for your brothers and sisters. In this school of Eucharistic love, the Lord, Bread of Life, will form you as a priest for his people. Let yourself be kneaded by Him and by the holy people of God, to become bread of goodness for everyone, for everyone, everyone, as Pope Francis insists. Today you become a priest forever. All for God and his people”.

Recently, Father Lucas worked for a few months at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lujan in Argentina. The bishop went on to say, “The hand of the Lord brought you recently to the home of Our Lady in Argentina, the Basilica of Lujan. The Virgin Mary is a witness of all this precious period of your life; by her side, you have learned to love as she loves. You have contemplated and shared Mary’s love for her people, and you have shared the joys and sorrows of so many women and men who go on pilgrimage to the Shrine to be covered by the mantle of the Mother”.

Priest and God’s friend for mankind

“You will be a priest, God’s friend for mankind, the one who knows how to listen with interest, to speak opportunely and to take the journey with others on a daily basis. You will be the presence of the Lord among your brothers. I wish for you to be a man of God, who always lives the joyful intimacy with the Father to unceasingly communicate God to others, in the Word, the Eucharist and in your simple presence,” said the bishop.

Finally, he noted, “You will be a man of the Church, with perfect fidelity to its mystery, with great fondness for your bishop, your superior, with a generous dedication of service to all the people of God entrusted to you.”

“Abide in my love” (Jn. 15:9)

In his concluding words, Father Lucas thanked all the Schoenstatt Family from the places where he has been, especially the Family of San Isidro, since it was there where he had the grace of getting to know the Shrine, sealing his Covenant of Love, and discovering his vocation. He also mentioned the many people who accompanied him throughout his formative years.

“On September 24, 2013, Jesus moved my heart with great intensity. Two days later, while praying, I said yes to the call I felt he was making to follow him as a priest, as a Schoenstatt Father. During these ten years of formation the Virgin Mary has taught me through many people to ‘abide in my love’ as Jesus tells us (Jn. 15:9) and I chose this as my ordination motto. I entrust myself to your prayer so that I may always live this grace with generosity and joy in the service of others,” said the newly ordained priest.

After his ordination, Father Lucas Chiappe presided over his first celebrations on Sunday, November 26 and Monday, November 27 at the Schoenstatt Shrine in San Isidro and at the Los Olmos Shrine in Pilar.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, November 29 and Sunday, December 3, at 7 p.m., he will celebrate the Eucharist at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Bragado and at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lujan, respectively.

Information from aica.org