Merry Christmas everyone!
As a Schoenstatt Father community in the USA, we have had a number of important things happen in these last months and we wanted to share with you some of these joys, challenges and changes.
Topping the list of our joys, was the news in December that our five novices—Carlos Licona, Rodrigo Fernandez, Hector Islas, Christopher Boardman and Josh Parker—were officially accepted into our Schoenstatt Fathers’ community. After years of preparing for this moment, this was a great joy for us. In February 2019 they will move to Chile where they begin their philosophy and theology studies.
Another great joy was the completion of our community’s home in Austin, Texas on Addie Roy Road just down the street from the Bethlehem, Cradle of Sanctity shrine. It was wonderful to have the house and chapel blessed by Austin’s Bishop Joe Vasquez in October. Thank you to all who have made this possible with your prayers, concern and financial support.
2018 has had its share of challenges too. Some of our fathers have been dealing with health issues and other difficulties. One of these health related matters was the burn-out symptoms that made transferring Fr. Patricio Rodriguez back to our province house in Chile necessary. We miss his joy and enthusiasm, and we hope that he can make a visit to Austin in spring to say goodbye.
Also there have been plentiful changes. After twelve years in Wisconsin, Fr. Francisco Rojas was transferred to Austin, to work with the Schoenstatt Movement in San Antonio. Fr. Hector Vega and Fr. Christian Christensen moved to the new Addie Roy Road house, where Fr. Hector became the interim rector of the shrine. Fr. Raimundo Costa has taken over the Movement work in Miami, as has Fr. Pushpa Antonysamy in Washington, DC. Fr. Jesus Ferras is in Miami doing some postgraduate studies. And finally, I have taken on the role of interim Delegate Superior the Schoenstatt Fathers in the USA. Lots to keep track of!
So, at the conclusion of this year, in the name of the Schoenstatt Fathers in the USA, I want to express our sincerest gratitude to all of you for your prayers and concern during 2018.May the Christ Child bring you and your loved ones many graces and joys throughout 2019.
In Jesus and Mary,