READ: In Memory of our Founder, Father Aloysius Schwartz

In Memory of our Founder, Father Aloysius Schwartz
NEWS from the children...Official Newsletter of the World Villages for Children
Published by World Villages for Children - A Project of Asian Relief, Inc.
Issue No.3, 2001

On March 16, 2001 a bust replica of our founder, Father Aloysius Schwartz, was unveiled to commemorate the 9th anniversary of his death. The bust is centrally located in an area on the campus of our Children's Village in Silang, the Philippines. This area is now known as Fr. Al's Children's Park.

The special ceremony honoring Father Al began with a visit to his tomb. Then, our guests proceeded to our gymnasium for the Holy Mass, which was officiated by the Bishop of Imus, His Excellency Manuel C. Sobreviñas. 

Finally, many of our former students, who donated the bust, shared their thoughtful memories of Father Al. The following is a portion of one speech, which was written and delivered by Pyung-Sul Shon on behalf of all of our Korean graduates.

"...It has been nine years since you passed away, but still we have throbs of joy in our hearts like before, when we met you dear Father for the first time in Pusan, Korea long years ago. We miss you very much, as we recall all the memories of being with you. When we saw you for the first time, you looked very different from us and we felt uneasy with your blue eyes and high nose since we were not familiar with western people. But we got acquainted soon as we played  basketball, soccer and ran with you in marathons.  We still remember your sweet look as you watched us when you roamed around our dormitories, classrooms and workshops... 


Not only did you give us fish to eat, but you taught us how to catch fish as well. You fed us not only physically but also spiritually with the love of Jesus and Blessed Mother Mary through your meditations and sermons...


Though you are physically separated from this world; you have formed more intensive love in the world.  Our sisters and brothers in the Philippines, Mexico and Guatemala and us in Korea are your true children, giving witness of your love. Even though time has passed and has changed another generation, we are proud of being your first children and we will try our best to convey your countless love to our younger brothers and sisters who were not able to deal directly with you.


We celebrate this unveiling of Father's bust replica to commemorate you forever..."


The bust replica of Father Al was donated by our Korean and Filipino graduates and includes a commemorative plaque highlighting the major events in Father Al's life.

 The plaque is also inscribed with a touching message from our graduates.

He has conceived that life is a commitment to serve the Lord

through the poor. This is the path that has led Msgr. Schwartz to the

fullest and most glorifying communion with God and his fellowmen.

His altruistic life has transformed flickering hopes with a fire

that burns for simplicity, love and charity.

This warmth has molded inspirited little candles into the

radiance of Christian spirit. Upon the noble efforts

of the Sisters of Mary, the institution he founded, 

those little candles are fashioned to brighten their destiny - 

to light up the world.

Thus, the graduates continue in casting Fr. Al's semblance

that proclaims his resounding adage,

"Let us serve the Lord with joy!"

 This project is realized through the gratitude of

the Sisters of Mary Alumni Association.

Boystown and Girlstown,  Korea and the Philippines,

March 16, 2001

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World Villages for Children, founded by Father Aloysius Schwartz, provides financial support to the charity programs of the Sisters of Mary in the Philippines, Korea, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil and Honduras.