Schönstatt - Begegnungen


Archbishop Francisco Javier Errazuriz appointed Cardinal

The new Cardinal knows the universal Church well and works to reconcile Chile

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
 

(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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