The title of this article uses the word “farewell.” Still, it certainly is not the best expression to define the presence of the Schoenstatt members at the liturgical celebrations of Pope Francis’ funeral. With the farewell to the Holy Father comes a new ENTHUSIASM to carry forward his legacy and the heritage he left to the Movement and the entire Church.
Several members of the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement were in Rome and participated in the solemn funeral ceremony of the Pope this Saturday, April 26. Archbishop Monsignor Ignazio Sanna, President of the Pontifical Academy of Theology and member of the Institute of Schoenstatt Diocesan Priests, commented on the past days: “Francis’ message is very rich. Among his many words, those we heard most often these days were: Church on mission, infinite mercy of God, supreme good of peace, witnesses of hope.”
For Monsignor Sanna, the Pope’s death brings forth a renewed feeling of fidelity and love for the Church: “I believe that Schoenstatt must remain faithful to its love program for the Church. A Church that goes forth, a Church like a field hospital, a Church open to all. This is the post-conciliar Church of the new peripheries.”
A Moment of Sadness and Gratitude
Father Alexandre Awi Mello, President of the International Presidium of Schoenstatt, said that these days were lived “with much gratitude in the heart and also sadness at his departure.”
In an interview with Vatican News (Portuguese-language editorial team), he mentioned his last words to the Pope:
“It’s difficult. Thank you very much. And I think the entire Church says that. And not just the Church: this ‘thank you very much’ comes from all humanity. A few days ago, an atheist friend wrote to me and said: ‘You know I’m an atheist, but I am sad because the world needs people like Pope Francis.’ And, indeed, the whole world at this moment gives thanks. Thank you, Pope Francis, for believing in humanity.”
We Saw a Young and Alive Church in Rome
Sister M. Lisianne Braunbeck, a member of the General Leadership of the Sisters of Mary, shared her impressions of her experience in Rome: “Seeing so many young people participating in this event was impressive. We saw a young and alive Church. And despite the huge crowd, there was a palpable religious atmosphere. The different gestures were very expressive; for example, all the heads of state bidding farewell in front of the coffin, and the cardinals forming an honor guard at the end of St. Peter’s Basilica. On a banner carried by some young people, you could read: ‘Thank you, Pope Francis! We will not let our hope be stolen!’ I believe this sums up the atmosphere well.”
The Represented Communities
It is impossible to mention all the Schoenstatt members who attended the solemn celebration at St. Peter’s Square, but here we list the representatives that some communities sent. In addition to them, several members of the Apostolic League and Schoenstatt Pilgrims were also present in Rome.
The Schoenstatt Fathers were represented by their Superior General, Father Alexandre Awi Mello, along with priests currently living in Italy: Father Pablo Pérez, Father Pablo Martínez, Father Beltrán Gómez, Father Andrés Rodríguez, and two priests studying in Rome: Father Felipe Pérez and Father Miguel Rocha.
Monsignor Ignazio Sanna, Archbishop Emeritus of Oristano, represented the Institute of Diocesan Priests.
For the Federation of Priests, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of La Plata, Monsignor Jorge González, participated.
The Sisters of Mary sent two members from the General Leadership: Sister Andra-Maria Lingscheid and Sister M. Lisianne Braunbeck. Also, two Sisters of Mary from Argentina traveled to Rome for the celebration: Sister María del Milagro Figueroa and Sister María de los Ángeles. Alongside them were all the Sisters of Mary residing in Rome.
The Schoenstatt Family Institute was represented by Arnulf and Mariette Rausch from Germany and two families from Spain: Jordi and Casilda Pares, and Iñaqui and Macarena Laguna.
Several members of the Schoenstatt Movement from Italy were also present. On this day of farewell, scattered throughout various parts of Rome, the same feeling of gratitude and the desire to keep Pope Francis’ spirit alive to set the world on fire in the coming years resounded everywhere.
Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías
