CHILE, Fr. Marcelo Aravena •
I want through these lines to leave a testimony of something that happened yesterday at 11:00 a.m. in one of the halls of the Archbishopric of Santiago, Chile. —
This was the opening of the process of beatification of Fr. Hernán Alessandri Morandé, Schoenstatt Father, who died on December 18, 2007. This solemn ceremony was presided over by the Cardinal Archbishop of Santiago, Monsignor Celestino Aos and was attended by the Tribunal responsible for the diocesan process.
- President: Fr. Jerónimo Walker (diocesan priest).
- Promoter of Justice: Fr. Francisco Cruz (diocesan priest).
- Notary: María Marcela Corvalán (canon lawyer)
- Vice-postulator of the cause: Fr. Luis Mariano Irureta (Schoenstatt Father).
In this ceremony, the documents pertinent to the opening of the process were read, the Tribunal and the Vice-Postulator were sworn in, and the minutes of the opening of the process in its diocesan phase were read and signed.
Opening of the process of beatification of Father Hernán Alessandri Morandé | Photo: Fr. Marcelo Aravena
An endearing love for the vulnerable and suffering children
For those present it was a moment of great joy because we are convinced that Father Hernán Alessandri was a priest of exemplary holiness, who lived authentically the values of the Gospel of Jesus.
There are three characteristics that I can highlight from his life testimony: an intimate love for vulnerable and suffering children that led him to found the well-known Maria Ayuda Social Corporation. Also his untiring dedication to families and their spiritual and material health and finally his great love for the Church, which for him should be the ‘soul of the world’. His many publications of pastoral theological articles, his books such as the biography about Father Kentenich, What does the Schoenstatt shrine mean, Faith and Married Life. Also his many retreats on spirituality, give an account of his copious pastoral and intellectual activity. Many of his spiritual sons and daughters 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.
Everyday Sanctity with marked social commitment
Undoubtedly, the opening of this process places an important milestone of grace in the history of the Chilean Church. Church that needs fruits of holiness of daily life with marked social commitment, preference for families and deep love for the Church of Jesus Shepherd.
Hernán, according to his biography, was a son of Mary who loved the people of God with all his strength and heart.
Opening of the process of beatification of Father Hernán Alessandri Morandé | Photo: Fr. Marcelo Aravena
Original: Spanish, 31.03.2023. Translation: Maria Fischer @schoenstatt.org
