WATCH: Unfinished Symphony, The Inspiring Story of Fr. Aloysius Schwartz

An EWTN documentary on Father Al's zeal for the salvation of souls and transforming lives of thousands of youth from Korea, the Philippines, and Mexico, his unfinished symphony...

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WATCH: Heart to Heart: Fr. Al Speaks to his Friends

Heart to Heart Video: A Memento for His Friends

(c) The Sisters of Mary & World Villages for Children

No copyright infringement intended.

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Fr. Aloysius Schwartz speaks to his loyal friends and generous benefactors on behalf of his beloved children and the Sisters of Mary. Heart to Heart speaks volume of GRATITUDE, FAITH, HOPE and TRUST in GOD, His Divine Providence and MAN'S GOODNESS & GENEROSITY. This is his last gift and living memento to his dear friends in the Lord.

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"This is the secret of constant joy: Unselfishness, which means love. You must be unselfish to practice charity. You must go out to others and think of them. "

- Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz

If you wish to get in touch with the Sisters of Mary and the World Villages for Children to know more about their programs and how you can help, feel free to visit the following websites:

http://www.thesistersofmary.com/

https://www.worldvillages.org

https://www.worldvillages.org.uk

https://www.schwesternmaria.de

If you wish to donate, especially to those in the Philippines, below are the bank account details of Fr. Al's Children Foundation, Inc. (FACFI), the local funding arm of the Sisters of Mary and World Villages for Children. They are authorized to receive and accept donations or contributions, and gifts of any kind from donors for the benefit of children from the poorest of the poor families in the Philippines through The Sisters of Mary Boystowns and Girlstowns in Cavite and Cebu.

Account Name: Fr. Al's Children Foundation, Inc.

• UCPB Pasong Tamo Ext. Makati - Acct. no. 167-000716-1
• PNB Silang Cavite - Acct. no. 243-87000128-7                                
• Metrobank (MBTC) Dasma Cavite - Acct. no. 235-3-23533455-1 (online)
• BDO Dasma Cavite - Acct. no. 001-90060225-1
• Union Bank QC - Acct. no. 001-64000161-2
• BPI Dasma Cavite - Acct. no. 000963-2851-08

Online Donation thru PAYPAL: 

http://www.facfi.org.ph/online-donation

Always demand for receipt when you give donation to FACFI.
Email: info@facfi.org.ph

Thank you very much!

Father Al: On Belief in Jesus

“If you truly believe in Jesus there will spring up from the depths of your heart a never-ending stream of living joy.” – Servant of God, Fr. Al Schwartz

Fr. Al: On Saving Souls

20th Death Anniversary of Fr. Al! You're Invited!

In loving memory of his 20th death anniversary, you are all invited to the Eucharistic Celebration to be presided by His Excellency, Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, D.D., Archbishop of Manila at the Sisters of Mary School, Girlstown Complex, Biga II, silang, Cavite on March 16, 2012 @ 10 AM.

A tribute concert follows in the afternoon at the Girlstown Auditorium. See you there!

If you happen to be in CEBU on those dates, feel free to visit our SMS Talisay campus and witness the historical unveiling of Fr. Al's memorable statue on March 18, 2012 (Sunday) at 9 AM.

Prior to that event, Fr. Al’s children from Korea and Philippines have joined their joyful spirits with grateful hearts through a showcase of their talents in singing, dancing and playing musical instruments in SM City Cebu Cinema 1, on March 14, 2012, at 7:00PM .

We cordially invite all our generous benefactors to witness the joy that comes from our ever-thankful hearts.

Join is in the celebration. Simultaneous Alumni Homecoming in Cavite (Biga) and Cebu (Talisay) on March 18, 2012! Thank you very much!

TESTIMONY: "Passionate dreamers never quit!"

Excerpt from the speech delivered by Ms. Darren Danielle Q. Delos Santos, valedictorian of the Class of 2012, Sisters of Mary Girlstown - Biga. Appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on February 5, 2012.

Our graduation is a dream come true for me, my fellow graduates and most especially our parents.

Finishing secondary education was a big dream, even an impossible dream for all of us. Big dreams are always accompanied by seemingly insurmountable challenges but the difficulties cannot stop us from reaching the finish line.

Passionate dreamers never quit! I never quit!

I was born poor—always worried about tomorrow, thinking God was so far, and no one cared. I got tired of hearing fights over money and other things.

I was the second child. My family had a happy and comfortable life that did not last long. The week I was born in 1995, Father lost his job, our only source of livelihood. He tried to look for another job, but failed.

My very good and religious father changed. Several times, I heard him say I was born a week before he lost his job. I was hurt because I thought I caused the family’s misfortune. I wished I had not been born.

When our life reached its lowest point, I started to hate my father. Anger filled my heart. I had to help put food on the table and earn money for school supplies and allowance by doing laundry for our neighbors.

I missed precious days in school. What I was happy about while washing clothes was I got enough time to dream. In one of my daydreams I would be operating a washing machine.

I took the examination for the Sisters of Mary School, which I passed, but I dreamt of going to the Regional Science High School in Isabela, where we lived after my parents separated. I also passed the entrance exam there.

Unfortunately, the uncle who promised to support my studies died in a car accident. I was left with no choice but to enroll at the Sisters of Mary School.

Now I realize that everything was planned.

This school changed me a lot, not just in the physical aspects but my whole being. It made me realize what I had been trying to figure out in life. The school provided me skills and abilities. It gave me the will to reach my goals no matter how difficult the road might be.

I was so insecure before, but now I have the confidence to do tasks even in front of many people. I felt so weak to face many trials before but now I can face them squarely and smartly find ways to overcome them.

I had lost hope that I could achieve my dreams but now I can stand firmly, determined to reach beyond my dreams. I discovered my capabilities and realized that, when I fall, I should pick myself up and just keep going.

Thus I can say, I am much better than yesterday. I am now ready for the future. I am not yet great … but someday I will be!

No words can express the gratitude I and my fellow graduates feel. All of our being we owe to the motherly touch of the Sisters of Mary family.

To our Heavenly Father, thank you for showing Your unconditional love and for nurturing us through your instruments.

To our beloved founder, Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz, thank you for being the author of this great story of miracle.

To Sr. Maria Cho, thank you for continuing the work of Mother Michaela; to Sr. Zeniola, our local superior; to our very dynamic principal, Sr. Amelia Luces; to our mothers, the sisters who patiently guide us; to our teachers, who painstakingly honed our knowledge, skills and attitude; to our spiritual friends—thank you for your guidance through your homilies; to Sr. Elena for bringing innovations in the school, to all our benefactors, thank you for your generosity.

And to everyone, who in one way or another contributed to our development, we pray for your good health so that you can continue being God’s instruments in showing His love.

To my fellow graduates, continue being the living witnesses of Fr. Al.

To our little sisters and brothers, may your presence here inspire you to study more seriously, grab every opportunity to learn, and always try to bring out the best in you.

Do not settle for mediocrity but aim for excellence. Take advantage of this paradise because everything you need to become good children of God and good citizens is here. Use them properly and take good care of all the facilities for the next generation.

TESTIMONY: "This school healed the paralysis in my soul"

Excerpt from the speech delivered by Mr. Jerald O. De la Cruz, valedictorian of the Class of 2012, Sisters of Mary Boystown - Adlas. Appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on February 5, 2012.

Triumph and anticipation fill our hearts and minds today. The fulfillment of a dream lifts our spirits.

We now rise, a thousand-strong new disciples of redemption in a world burdened by poverty, power and pride. We stand tall but humbled by the selfless dedication of compassionate hearts that raised our hopes over our desperation. And we have emerged like champions for we have the best coach on our side—our beloved alma mater!

We are also beginning to feel homesick that we will be leaving soon this home, this sanctuary, this paradise that has nursed the wounds of our misfortune and the pain of our sacrifice, and (celebrated) the victories of our struggles.

I feel my brothers’ and sisters’ eagerness to cherish their life stories that gave meaning to this event. And I cannot help but share my own. I was in Grade 4 when tragedy struck. My father met a terrible accident that (cost him his job as) a miner, that (lost him) his capacity to provide (and achieve) his dream for the family.

We had to admit a most paralyzing truth—a bedridden father. I realized life was tough as I and the rest of the family worked our fingers to the bones to survive.

Mother had to carry the burden of providing for the family. The oldest son worked in a bus terminal. My other brother stopped schooling. I, the youngest child, collected and sold bottles, plastics and other junk after school. I had to pass up most childhood adventures to do household chores and to earn a living and care for my father.

The Sisters of Mary came like a mother rescuing a fallen child. The day I came here seemed to show me a picture of my father smiling and walking again.

This school healed the paralysis in my soul, just has it has done for every boy and girl that have lived here and just as it will do for those still to come.

The school breathed new life to our desolate spirits through the loving Father Aloysius, Mother Mary and the mother-sisters.

She made us see the merciful God through the charity of our benefactors, the needs of our neighbors and the joyful rewards from serving one another. She showed us the richness of our persons, the beauty of life, and the truth of our existence. She showed that beyond the excellence of academic and vocational education we were meant to be men and women fully alive preaching the fullness of God’s glory in everything we did for ourselves, other people and our country.

My fellow graduates, with the motherly love and concern of the sisters, we were molded to beat the odds and make the most of every chance we got. We owe them the greatest part of our achievement.

I wonder how we would ever forget our beloved founder, Monsignor Aloysius Schwartz who chose to live in poverty so that the thousands of us may enjoy the riches of his love for the poorest of the poor. Would we ever miss in our prayers the sacrifice of Mother Michaela and Sister Maria in keeping alive Father Al’s mission and vision for our souls? The nourishing food of spiritual awareness shared by the beloved priests in confessions, holy Masses and homilies? The limitless patience of our teachers broadening our wisdom? The robust  hearts of our benefactors, who gave us a foretaste of the riches of God? The sacrifice of our parents when we are apart? The time of all the visitors who share their joy with us today?

And so we saved a special place in our hearts for each of you where we shall sing songs of gratitude our whole life through. Thank you very, very much.

Our younger brothers and sisters, you are the witnessing eyes, the listeners, and the followers of us, your Big Brothers and Sisters. May today provide you the inspiration and will to gain the prize of your perseverance and determination. Your success has started. You only need to reach the finish line.

Before we leave those gates, we should never, must never ever forget: We never were eagles in the comfort of our nests. We are eagles destined to ride the wind and rise to the heavenly joy of serving our neighbors with compassion.

TESTIMONY: “Capital Investment: Screwdriver”

Believing firmly that poverty is not a reason to become hopeless, as Fr. Al taught me, plus of course prayer and sacrifice, saw me through a life of ups and downs. My parents were widow and widower, each with children of their own, while my sister and I were of this third family. It would have been a good combination of sorts but they separated when I was twelve.

Mother brought us to Manila, not knowing what would happen to us. We lived in a squatters’ area in Novaliches, Quezon City. I sold fish balls, dyaryo’t bote, became a kargador at the Novaliches market, all to help us survive. I felt irritated and helpless at my situation, even contemplating suicide. I wanted to continue my studies but my busy mother showed no inclination to send me back to school.

Once she spanked me because I was too lazy to go out and sell fish ball. I told her my feelings. But there was a good neighbor who saw me and told me about the Sisters of Mary School and that her daughter was studying there. For free! With almost everything, from food and lodging to clothes and school supplies and much more. It seemed too good to be true. My mother needed no convincing and let me go with the neighbor. I was interviewed by Sr. Teresita Prudente and she gave me a small pamphlet to read aloud. Then she told me I had passed and was accepted.

For four years I learned so much. Boystown gave me a high quality education, from academics to vocational courses, such as automotive, electronics, refrigeration and air conditioning, repair and maintenance of industrial sewing machines. And the best teachers were hired for us, too.

It was just the training I needed for employment even immediately after high school. But then the Sisters of Mary Boystown was even more generous. After graduation, I was hired as an assistant electronics teacher. I had a job at once. But my rather independent disposition urged me to look elsewhere and to work on my own. Meanwhile, life was about the same. We were still in the squatter’s area and when it rained, our beds floated on the rising water. But I never complained to God. I believed he would never abandon me.

Then my prayers began to be answered. I began work washing empty bottles in a wine factory, with a daily wage of P50. After a month, I became a refrigeration and air-conditioning technician. I was using my training. Then I transferred to another company where they made a specialist in automatic door systems. In these two companies I learned a lot about the fabrication and installation of glass windows, automatic doors, gates, and many more skills related to building construction.

As I learned skills and handled responsibilities my personality developed but I retained the virtues I learned in school with Fr. Al: work hard, be honest, be humble. I learned, too, to deal with different people and professionals like architects, engineers, contractors, managers, and suppliers. My appreciative boss encouraged me to have self-confidence even if I was “only” a high school graduate. In time I became a sub-contractor for the installation of automatic door systems and glass windows. When I had enough funds I put up my own contracting business in Manila. For almost two years it was failure but I did not lose hope, I always prayed and worked hard.

I went back to Masbate where I met my wife, Maria Cristina. She is a very devout lady who is always there beside me in all my efforts. I worked odd jobs until we felt ready to revive the business that had been suspended. With a capital investment of a screwdriver and some small tools for installing window glasses, coupled with lots of perspiration and inspiration from my wife and three kids, we restarted. This is now my company, Green Glass and Aluminum Supply, with main office in Masbate City and a branch in Minglanilla, Cebu.

At home, we live the way I learned at the Sisters of Mary. I am the founder and my wife is my sister-in-charge. My little boy and my two girls are my Boystown and Girlstown respectively. We attend the Holy Mass every Sunday and are members of the Christian Community Couples for Christ. I will always remember one of Fr. Al’s homilies, which said, “The most powerful weapons to overcome fear, trials, obstacles, and temptations are prayer and sacrifice.”

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Erwin Cortes
Batch 1991 (2nd Batch), 1987-1991
Sta. Mesa, Manila

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.