Father Nicolás Continues Preaching via Internet

Great success of the "virtual retreats" – Biweekly mailout now published in three languages

Bendición del Santuario Hogar de los Cabral, Ciudad del Este Blessing of the Home Shrine of the Cabral, Ciudad del Este Segnung des Hausheiligtums bei Familie Cabral, Ciudad del Este
Bendición del Santuario de Ciudad del Este Blessing of the Shrine in Ciudad del Este Bei der Einweihung des Heiligtums in Ciudad del Este
Bendición del Santuario Hogar de los Cabral, Ciudad del Este Blessing of the Home Shrine of the Cabral, Ciudad del Este Segnung des Hausheiligtums bei Familie Cabral, Ciudad del Este
Alianza de Amor del Padre Guillermo, Ciudad del Este Covenant of Love of Fr. Guillermo, Ciudad del Este Liebesbündnis von Pfarrer Guillermo, Ciudad del Este Fotos: Cabral © 2007
Con Padres de su comunidad en el Santuario de Sión With Schoenstatt Fathers in the Sion Shrine Mit anderen Schönstatt-Patres im Sions-Heiligtum
En Paraguay, durante una Misa In Paraguay, during a Mass Bei einer Messe in Paraguay Fotos: Badano © 2007

PARAGUAY, Javier Cabral. "Thank you very much, Father Nicolás!!! Heartfelt greetings from Buenos, Aires, Argentina," was Andrea’s response after receiving the file on Reflection # 5. From Germany, Rosa María and Josef Wieland, leaders of the Family Federation sent the following"…..a special greeting to Father Nicolás." Just like these two greetings, there are several responses from the people as they receive the files.

What files of reflections am I referring to? For those who have just turned on the monitor, let me explain: For several months now, some files of reflections based on texts from Father Nicolás Schwizer, have been distributed. The response has been very good and many people from various countries have subscribed: Germany, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, México, USA, Spain, Colombia, Costa Rica, Portugal, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Nigeria, India, England, etc.

Until now, five files have been distributed. Since number 3, we have a Portuguese translation which is prepared by Lena Barros de Ortiz, a course sister who was born in Brazil. Since last week, there is now an English translation available by Carlos Cantú. For the web page Schoenstatt.de María Tedeschi made available an Italian translation of the file, "The Mystery of January 20^th."

It helps us to continue with our mission

From Colombia, María Francisca says: "Thank you for the article on the second milestone. This reflection helps us continue with our mission in perfect obedience to the path which Father shows us; just as our Founder would do it."

"For Lent we have in our HomeShrine the reflection ‘Put the House in Order’ by Fr. Nicolás. Through this beautiful work we somehow feel him present and it also helps us to renew and to clean our interior home during this Lent…..What a good idea and what a great way to evangelize today!" writes Carmen Cosp from the Family Federation in Paraguay.

Many people are passing on the files in different ways.

Susana from Argentina comments: "I want you to know that one of the files, The Port Said Palm Tree, will be published in our Mothers’ bulletin this Lent. 500 copies will be printed." Inés de Goya from Corrientes, Argentina tells us: "Thank you! I printed it and will share it in the readings which I do for the Blessed Mother on A.M and F.M. radio. I will also use it at the school where I am employed. I loved it!"

On the page of the Rosary for men, in the articles section, file 5 has been included.

Life enkindles life

Cecilia from Argentina relates with emotion: "I received the message of the palm tree and felt I could identify with it, especially with the aspect of the prune. Again and again I see that God wants to test me and my strength is at its limit. I do not know what He wants from me with all of this. I do not know how far He wants to go with this. I find it hard to see the undoing, as in the story. I cannot see a way out and I am overwhelmed thinking about it.

I urgently need a job to get out of this hole since without a job, as we all know, I cannot have other things, that is life itself.

Thank you for the reflection."

Anita and Rodrigo tell us: "We are very happy to receive these marvelous reflections of LIFE which go directly to the hearts to make them life in each one of us."

Georgina from México writes: "Hello! I read the article on January 20^th and it really impressed me. I was equally impressed with what happened to Fr. Nicolás. If possible, I would like to receive the reflections. One thousand thanks and greetings."

Ecuador is leading by far: The Espinosa have distributed the files to the Family Work in Quito with an exhortation in the subscription: "Considering that this is such good material, they could be discussed in each group…..each of the reflections, one by one, and the questions at the end of each reflection would be developed."

A support for those who are alone

The Franco family is in charge of an SOS village in the city of Belén in the north of Paraguay. From there they relate: "Thank you for this support. Having Fr. Nicolás’ homilies will be a luxury for us. From Belén, may our Blessed Mother bless you."

From Venezuela, Yolanda, after receiving the first reflection file relates: "At the end of January 2007, I received a memorable impression. I live in Caracas, Venezuela and I went with a woman friend to a retreat with the Conventual Franciscan Friars to Guanare which is about a six hour drive. We arrived at our place of destination for the retreat at a place called The Good Samaritan where the friars have rooms for men who have been abandoned. They pick them up in the street…..drunk, blind, abandoned by their families. I think I was able to hide my impression since I was frightened, scared in the face of human misery. This place is managed by ladies of the area whom the friars have trained for the task with a spine-chilling sense of humanity. They are Third Order Sisters of St. Francis who leave their homes several hours per day to take care of these people. I felt overwhelmingly light. My amazement has been spectacular. I had never had this type of contact."

Memories of Father Nicolás

Rita from San Isidro tells us: "Every time Father Nicolás would come to Buenos Aires, he would have supper with us. My husband would sharpen tools and he loved to make knives. On one of the times he came, my husband gave him a knife and on the handle was the blue logo of the Shrine. He was left speechless with the gift. I assure you that I remember every word he said! He is a true FATHER!"

Truly, the acceptance has been great, as has been the contents of the messages. I think it will be a great service for more people to subscribe to.

I recently met Father Francisco Pistilli and he told me very enthused "Father Nicolás continues being an apostle."

I had not thought of that. I reflected on it and I understood his emotion since Father Nicolás’ condition made others think he was no longer useful. Nevertheless, many people read his reflections, they meditate and are able to advance spiritually thanks to him.

• virtual retreats 6/7 (PDF)