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Jorge Morales, el Alcalde, Pablo Zalaquett y Sergio
Gonzales
Jorge Morales, the mayor, Pablo Zalaquett, and Sergio
Gonzales
Bürgermeister Jorge Morales, Pablo Zalaquett und Sergio
Gonzales |
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Tumba de Mario Hiriart
Tomb of Mario Hiriart
Grab Mario Hiriarts |
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Encuentro
Encounter
Austausch |
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Sergio Gonzales, habló en su calidad de ex alcalde
de La Florida y de compañero de Mario Hiriart en el grupo de Caballeros
del Santo Graal
Sergio Gonzales spoke in his capacity as ex mayor of
La Florida and member of Mario Hiriart’s group
Sergio Gonzalo sprach in seiner Eigenschaft als ehemaliger
Bürgermeister von La Flordia und Weggefährte Mario Hiriarts |
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En la tumba de Mario Hiriart
At the tomb of Mario Hiriart
Am Grab von Mario Hiriart
Fotos: Vinculo, N° 197 © 2005
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CHILE, Jorge Morales Retamal. Bellavista of la Florida was the host
city for a remarkable gathering that brought together a diverse group
of people. Attendees included The Choral Society of the Coast Guard, leaders
of the neighboring city councils with their banners, leaders of the Mothers’
Center, and Marist Brothers of the Alonso de Ercilla School. Politicians
included the city mayor, council members, and candidates for various senatorial
and representative offices. All met at la Florida on Saturday, November
5th at 5:00 p.m. , in order to recognize the official resolution
that declares Mario Hiriart Pulido, as an illustrious son of the community
of la Florida. This resolution was signed into law at the Holy Spirit
Church.
The ceremony was unique in that it included talks, prayers and impromptu
speeches on the life of Mario Hiriart, native son of Bellavista la Florida,
Chile. Mario is an outstanding candidate for beatification who achieved
a harmonious balance between his workday life and his spiritual life.
This "every day sanctity", as it is called, he modeled to such a high
degree. It is something that is most needed in Chile today.
The Schoenstatters who were present at this ceremony could proudly speak
about Mario and his virtuous life, which is best demonstrated in the way
he fulfilled his daily obligations, and in the way he took God to those
around him. He "rolled up his sleeves" and became involved. During the
ceremony, it was apparent to all that the common structures of contemporary
Chilean society need to follow the humanitarian, social, and spiritual
road that Mario witnessed to them in his lifetime.
The everyday saint
The different speeches overflowed with authenticity and sympathy. Especially
moving was the presentation by the leader of the Mothers’ Center who shared
with the audience the history of the Center and why the weekly activities
of these older women were essential in their lives. It was a distinct,
authentic, and effective way of living in community.
The presentation by Pablo Zalaquett, the mayor, was simple and profound.
He said that Mario Hiriart is his role model, precisely because he was
an everyday saint. Mario was quiet, not noisy, and not famous. These qualities
are diametrically opposed to the culture of frivolity. To hear these words
from a person of authority made a deep impression on the Schoenstatters
who heard them.
Sergio Gonzalez’s presentation was excellent. He spoke as the former
mayor of la Florida and as a companion of Mario Hiriart in the group of
the Knights of the Holy Grail. He spoke of the legacy of Mario Hiriart
as a saint of Labor Day and about his relationship with the Shrine of
Bellavista and the Blessed Mother. He stressed the importance of this
place to Mario Hiriart. He also explained how Mario offered that quiet
"giving of self" like a spiritual force capable of building a community
of nations and contrasted it with the 1961 "Alliance for Progress" of
John F. Kennedy. He showed the banner of the Knights of the Grail that
was close to the altar (it was given to the youth today). Appropriately,
Mario Hiriart was presented along with the newly canonized, Father Alberto
Hurtado, as transcendental and prevailing forces for the true Chile, making
it clear that a saint is not only to be venerated on the altar but in
the work place as well.
Father Juan Pablo Rovengno also gave an awesome presentation. The old
Schoenstatters, and this is said with "due respect", were surprised at
his knowledge of Mario and the love that he demonstrated towards Mario
Hiriart.
Mario is escaping from us…he is from Chile but he belongs to the world
It was an afternoon that offered several lessons to the Schoenstatters
who were present. "Mario is escaping from us…" he is no longer just for
us but for the entire world. Bellavista of la Florida is a place privileged
by God because the Blessed Mother is the foundation of its House and Mario
is here. That is why it is a Founding Shrine and it shelters the Founding
Father’s footsteps.
In the final procession from the church to the Shrine, these ideas moved
with force. The Choral Society of Coast Guard, local authorities, the
members of the parliament, candidates and leaders of the neighboring towns,
led the procession. The Blessed Mother happily received everyone with
open arms.
Translation: Celina M Garza, Harlingen, TX / Christi Jentz,
Milwaukee/WI, USA
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