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Erzbischof Pater Francisco Javier Errázuriz,
Santiago de Chile
Archbishop Fr. Francisco Javier Errázuriz,
Santiago de Chile
Arzobispo P. Francisco Javier Errázuriz,
Santiago de Chile |
Foto: Schoenstatt-Patres © 2000-2001 |
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(P. Karl Bausenhart, Markus Hauck) Francisco Javier Errazuriz, Archbishop
of Santiago, Chile and former General Superior of the Schoenstatt Fathers,
was appointed Cardinal by Pope John Paul II. The appointment became official
on Sunday, January 21, 2001. Errazuriz is profoundly knowledgeable in
matters concerning the universal Church, and he also possesses a special
gift in the field of reconciliation.
Francisco Javier Errazuriz, born 1933, is a well traveled man with a
special sense for difficult situations. With his appointment Pope John
Paul II not only wants to recognize this Chilean for his efforts towards
the reconciliation of his divided country due to the latest historical
events. In appointing him Cardinal, the Pope wants to recognize as well
the possessor of a wide vision of the Universal Church. As Regional Superior
and further General Superior of the Secular Institute of the Schoenstatt
Fathers, posts hold from 1965 to 1990, he has been at the service of his
Community worldwide. Further more, since 1974 he served President of the
International Schoenstatt Work, making it possible numerous pastoral visits
throughout the five continents.
A Mathematician who sees the universal Church
He is a man who knows the grassroots of the Church extremely well. After
concluding his higher studies in mathematics at the Catholic University
in Chile's capital, he began to read philosophy and theology at the University
of Fribourg, Switzerland in 1956. The desire to become a priest had matured
in him during his studies in Chile. As a member of a group of Catholic
students he had come into contact with the Schoenstatt Movement. The Marian
spirituality, which challenged people to a Christian commitment in the
Church and society, fascinated Errazuriz. A long, personal meeting with
Father Joseph Kentenich, the founder of the Schoenstatt Movement, in the
autumn of 1962 set its mark on Errazuriz and fired his enthusiasm. He
had by then been ordained a priest. Until 1965 he worked in Chile as a
youth chaplain to the Schoenstatt Youth. He was then appointed the Regional
Superior of the Schoenstatt Fathers, who were engaged in the foundation
period of their Institute. From Chile Errazuriz also supported his Institute
in Ecuador, Portugal and Spain.
Serving Schoenstatt, Rome and the Church in Chile
In 1971 he was called to become a member of the General Council of his
Secular Institute in Schoenstatt, Vallendar, Germany. Three years later
he became its chairman and at the same time took over the chairmanship
of the General Presidium of the Schoenstatt Movement. This came to an
end in 1990 when he was appointed Archbishop and Secretary of the Congregation
for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Beyond
this he worked in six other Papal Commissions , among others as member
of the Papal Commission for Latin America. In 1996 the Holy Father appointed
him Bishop of Valparaiso, the second largest diocese in Chile. In 1998
he became Archbishop of Santiago de Chile, and in the same year was elected
Chairman of the Chilean Bishops' Conference. Since 1999 Errazuriz has
also been Vice-president of the Latin American Bishops' Conference (CELAM).
Curriculum Vitae (soon)
Letter from the Schoenstatt Fathers to the worldwide Schoenstatt Family
Translation: MC
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