"The Eucharist is the main source of Grace in our life. Devotion to the Eucharist, then, should be the heart and center of our spiritual life." - Servant of God, Fr. Aloysius Schwartz
Showing posts with label Servant of God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Servant of God. Show all posts
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Fr. Al on Loving...
"To love is to live; to not love is to die a little inside, to suffer hell a little." ~ Fr. Al
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
READ: Homily by His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, D.D.
HOMILY BY HIS EMINENCE RICARDO CARDINAL VIDAL, D.D.
Formal Opening of the Process for the Causes of Beatification and Canonization of Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz
Metropolitan Cathedral, Manila, Philippines
December 10, 2003
Today, we sing the glory of God by taking the first step of raising Msgr. Aloysius to the honor of the altar. This is a joyful moment for all of us who have been witnesses to the spirit that was working in Msgr. Al when he was still with us. If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor. But Msgr. Al has built his labors upon the Word of the Lord, and today we see his work bear much fruit in the lives of thousands of young men and women who have found hope through the institutes he founded.
Looking at his work today, we cannot but be amazed and awed by the breadth of his vision and the nobility of his spirit. Visiting the Boys and Girls Towns today, one can say that the hand of God is truly upon this man who didn't go for half-measures or mediocre steps--the footprints of Msgr. Schwartz reveal a man who walked in giant strides.
A compassionate heart, a profound faith in God's providence, and a practical mind combine to make this giant of a man. Compassion, faith and common sense--these are the virtues which mark the greatest of modern saints. Compassion gave Msgr. Schwartz the sensitivity to see what people need. Compassion made him act to supply the need that he saw. Faith gave him the courage to pursue what he wanted to do. Finally, common sense brought his dreams to concretion.
The combination of compassion, faith and common sense is rare in people. But when they do come together in generous measures, they combine to make a saint. Compassion is rather common among us today. There are those who preach kindness but do no more than to sympathize and commiserate.
Others become so touched by others misery they begin to rant and rave against systemic evils. Still others descend into despair. Not Msgr. Schwartz. Where others could simply sigh and throw up their hands, he believed that God does not will the poor to remain in their misery. He believed in the power of God and in the goodness of men. Here was a man who did not see the world in ideological terms. He did not see the world in terms of a conflict between rich and poor, it is not class enmity, but the lack of mechanism for one to help the poor. He believed that if a channel could be made to make the rich help the poor, the money would come pouring in.
Solidarity is innate in the human being, and given the chance and the assurance that all the resources would be put to good use, people would be more than willing to give.
It takes compassion to see the needs of the poor. It takes faith to see need of the rich. The poor lack resources to live a dignified life. The rich long for a way to live a life of dignity too, and all they need is a way to share their wealth with others. Msgr. Schwartz did not see persons as slaves to economic imperatives. Persons are spiritual beings whose basic moral intuition is "to do good and avoid evil". There is in every man a need to make life meaningful. Msgr. Schwartz was a weaver of meaning--he weaved together the hearts of the rich and the poor into a colorful tapestry of meaning.
There is another way in which Msgr. Schwartz can be said to have faith. He did not just believe in the goodness of persons, he believed in the absolute promise of God's providence. For entrepreneurs and capitalists, Msgr. Schwartz's methods would have been labeled as reckless. To spend so much money on something that had no assurance of immediate return, indeed, to build huge complexes for thousands of boys and girls without assurance of a steady means of support would have been irresponsible, to say the least. But Msgr. Schwartz made God responsible from the very beginning, and therein lies the difference between the merely reckless and the truly faithful.
Msgr. Schwartz did not only want his boys and girls to get good education; he wanted them to get the kind of education children of rich people are getting. He did not only plan for a handful of boys and girls to get the best education there is; he planned for thousands. They did not just come to school on school days; they were housed, clothed and fed for four years at a time in buildings bigger than most government institutions and grander than many private schools. And all for free. How Msgr. Schwartz conceived his sisters and brothers to sustain these institutions is truly a daily miracle that defies common sense.
Yet, if there was anyone more common sensical in all these endeavors, it could only be Msgr. Schwartz. Common sense is not only limited to an appreciation of the possible, it is above all the understanding of how something can be possible. If a little orphanage is sustainable by a handful of benefactors, why not an institution that cares for thousands? It is after all, the same compassion, the same generosity, the same God who provides. If God can provide for the birds and the flowers, why can he not provide for little boys and girls? Msgr. Schwartz stretched the limits of the possible because he combined common sense with faith.
The faith, which Msgr. Schwartz so abundantly possessed did not die with him. It continues to live in the Sisters of Mary of Banneux and the Brothers of Christ. In proposing Msgr. Schwartz to the honors of the altar, his sisters and brothers are offering to share with the universal Church the faith of their founder. If it pleases the Lord to glorify his servant, our joy will be shared by many others who will discover in the life of Msgr. Schwartz the inspiration to stretch the limits of their own possibilities.
May Mary of Banneux, Mother of the Poor and Consoler of the Afflicted, bless all our efforts and bring to completion the work we have begun. Amen.
Posted Online from The Sisters of Mary Newsletter: January 2004
Photo Credits: Fr. Al's Children Foundation, Inc. (FACFI) Office
Formal Opening of the Process for the Causes of Beatification and Canonization of Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz
Metropolitan Cathedral, Manila, Philippines
December 10, 2003
Looking at his work today, we cannot but be amazed and awed by the breadth of his vision and the nobility of his spirit. Visiting the Boys and Girls Towns today, one can say that the hand of God is truly upon this man who didn't go for half-measures or mediocre steps--the footprints of Msgr. Schwartz reveal a man who walked in giant strides.
A compassionate heart, a profound faith in God's providence, and a practical mind combine to make this giant of a man. Compassion, faith and common sense--these are the virtues which mark the greatest of modern saints. Compassion gave Msgr. Schwartz the sensitivity to see what people need. Compassion made him act to supply the need that he saw. Faith gave him the courage to pursue what he wanted to do. Finally, common sense brought his dreams to concretion.
The combination of compassion, faith and common sense is rare in people. But when they do come together in generous measures, they combine to make a saint. Compassion is rather common among us today. There are those who preach kindness but do no more than to sympathize and commiserate.
Others become so touched by others misery they begin to rant and rave against systemic evils. Still others descend into despair. Not Msgr. Schwartz. Where others could simply sigh and throw up their hands, he believed that God does not will the poor to remain in their misery. He believed in the power of God and in the goodness of men. Here was a man who did not see the world in ideological terms. He did not see the world in terms of a conflict between rich and poor, it is not class enmity, but the lack of mechanism for one to help the poor. He believed that if a channel could be made to make the rich help the poor, the money would come pouring in.
Solidarity is innate in the human being, and given the chance and the assurance that all the resources would be put to good use, people would be more than willing to give.
It takes compassion to see the needs of the poor. It takes faith to see need of the rich. The poor lack resources to live a dignified life. The rich long for a way to live a life of dignity too, and all they need is a way to share their wealth with others. Msgr. Schwartz did not see persons as slaves to economic imperatives. Persons are spiritual beings whose basic moral intuition is "to do good and avoid evil". There is in every man a need to make life meaningful. Msgr. Schwartz was a weaver of meaning--he weaved together the hearts of the rich and the poor into a colorful tapestry of meaning.
There is another way in which Msgr. Schwartz can be said to have faith. He did not just believe in the goodness of persons, he believed in the absolute promise of God's providence. For entrepreneurs and capitalists, Msgr. Schwartz's methods would have been labeled as reckless. To spend so much money on something that had no assurance of immediate return, indeed, to build huge complexes for thousands of boys and girls without assurance of a steady means of support would have been irresponsible, to say the least. But Msgr. Schwartz made God responsible from the very beginning, and therein lies the difference between the merely reckless and the truly faithful.
Msgr. Schwartz did not only want his boys and girls to get good education; he wanted them to get the kind of education children of rich people are getting. He did not only plan for a handful of boys and girls to get the best education there is; he planned for thousands. They did not just come to school on school days; they were housed, clothed and fed for four years at a time in buildings bigger than most government institutions and grander than many private schools. And all for free. How Msgr. Schwartz conceived his sisters and brothers to sustain these institutions is truly a daily miracle that defies common sense.
Yet, if there was anyone more common sensical in all these endeavors, it could only be Msgr. Schwartz. Common sense is not only limited to an appreciation of the possible, it is above all the understanding of how something can be possible. If a little orphanage is sustainable by a handful of benefactors, why not an institution that cares for thousands? It is after all, the same compassion, the same generosity, the same God who provides. If God can provide for the birds and the flowers, why can he not provide for little boys and girls? Msgr. Schwartz stretched the limits of the possible because he combined common sense with faith.
The faith, which Msgr. Schwartz so abundantly possessed did not die with him. It continues to live in the Sisters of Mary of Banneux and the Brothers of Christ. In proposing Msgr. Schwartz to the honors of the altar, his sisters and brothers are offering to share with the universal Church the faith of their founder. If it pleases the Lord to glorify his servant, our joy will be shared by many others who will discover in the life of Msgr. Schwartz the inspiration to stretch the limits of their own possibilities.
May Mary of Banneux, Mother of the Poor and Consoler of the Afflicted, bless all our efforts and bring to completion the work we have begun. Amen.
Posted Online from The Sisters of Mary Newsletter: January 2004
Photo Credits: Fr. Al's Children Foundation, Inc. (FACFI) Office
***
 |
| Fr. Aloysius Schwartz with His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, DD |
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Fr. Al's Sainthood is on Facebook. Like and Follow!
The Process for the Causes of Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God, Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz has been officially opened by the Vatican. This is the historic first step toward Father Al one day being declared a Saint by the Catholic Church.
Have Your Prayers Been Answered? If you have prayed to God through the intercession of Fr. Al, and you believe a miracle has occurred in your life, please send an email describing your spiritual experience to:
Have Your Prayers Been Answered? If you have prayed to God through the intercession of Fr. Al, and you believe a miracle has occurred in your life, please send an email describing your spiritual experience to:
Visit our official website at: Fr. Al's Journey Toward Sainthood
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Monday, December 26, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
READ: Monsignor Schwartz, friend of poor children
This article comes out at Baltimore Sun two days after Father Aloysius Schwartz died in Manila, Philippines. Photos courtesy of the Sisters of Mary. Old yet refreshing news - worth reading...:)
Monsignor Aloysius Schwartz, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee for his ministry to thousands of poor children around the world, died Monday at an orphanage he established in Manila. He was 61.
Monsignor Schwartz is survived by six brothers and sisters: Mary Flanagan of Princeton, N.J.; Louis Schwartz Jr. of Bethesda; Rose Herold of Atlanta; Dolores Vita of Lanham; Margaret Mercier of Vienna, Va.; and Joan Baur of Calverton, Md.
***
Monsignor Schwartz, friend of poor children
March 18, 1992|By Robert A. Erlandson | Robert A. Erlandson,Staff Writer
A member of a Baltimore family, Monsignor Schwartz was diagnosed in October 1989 with Lou Gehrig's disease, a degenerative illness of the nervous system. Undeterred, he continued his work even as his short, slender and once-athletic body weakened. He delivered his final sermon last week, in a voice barely audible beyond the altar.
Monsignor Schwartz's legacy is the orphanages and hospitals he founded for more than 12,000 children in Korea, the Philippines and Mexico.
The children are cared for by the brothers of the Order of Christ and the nuns of the Sisters of Mary, religious orders he founded in Korea in the 1960s to work in his "Boystowns" and "Girlstowns."
Monsignor Schwartz will be buried at his orphanage in Silang, outside Manila, where Philippine primate Jaime Cardinal Sin will celebrate a special Mass next Wednesday.
A memorial Mass will be scheduled later at St. Bernard's Church, Riverdale, Md., said William J. Vita, the priest's brother-in-law and executive director of Asian Relief Inc., the Hyattsville-based fund-raising arm of Monsignor Schwartz's missions.
Determined to expand his mission to the Western Hemisphere, Monsignor Schwartz battled his illness and in October 1991 oversaw dedication of his last orphanage, in Chalco, Mexico. It now cares for between 800 and 1,000 needy children from middle-school through high-school age.
In 1983, Monsignor Schwartz, who eschewed personal publicity, received the Ramon Magsaysay Award, called the Nobel Prize of the Pacific, for his foundation of orphanages in Pusan and Seoul, Korea. He was named a monsignor in 1990.
Despite his reticence, this friend of the lowly was well known to the mighty, who began paying final tributes even before his death.
Rep. Robert K. Dornan, a California Republican, wrote the dying priest last month, calling him "a hero and a saint" for his lifelong commitment to the needy, and saying he had nominated Monsignor Schwartz for the Nobel Prize.
When President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan traveled to Korea in 1983, the first lady visited Monsignor Schwartz's orphanage in Seoul. Last January, Mr. Reagan wrote to the priest, saying he had just learned of his illness and praising his "courage and exemplary dedication to continuing your work with the orphans of the world."
Cardinal Sin, who persuaded Monsignor Schwartz to open an orphanage in Manila, has compared him with Mother Teresa of Calcutta and other heroic missionaries.
Born in Washington, Aloysius was the third of seven children of Louis and Cedelia Schwartz, who had moved from Baltimore, the father's home town. He grew up in Northeast Washington, attended Holy Name Parochial School and served as an altar boy at the adjacent church.
The young Aloysius discovered his priestly vocation early -- in the third grade -- and soon decided he wanted to be a missionary, Mr. Vita said. He attended high school at St. Charles Seminary in Catonsville, and in 1952 graduated from Maryknoll College in Glen Ellen, Ill.
But fearful that the Maryknolls would make him a teacher, he went to Europe to study theology at Louvain University in Belgium. In June 1957, he returned to Washington long enough to be ordained as a priest before leaving to begin his mission in Korea, a country still recovering from a bitter war. Then, while recovering from hepatitis, Father Schwartz preached at parishes around the U.S. to raise money for his mission. Before leaving for Korea, he went on retreat to a Trappist Monastery at Berryville, Va.
There he met a man who was expert in direct-mail solicitation. The man persuaded Father Schwartz to give him more than $30,000 he had raised preaching to launch a nationwide fund-raising drive.
 |
| Fr. Aloysius Schwartz in Korea |
That was the start of Korean Relief Inc., which in 1985 became Asian Relief Inc. as the orphanage network expanded to the Philippines and then to Mexico. It now has a multimillion-dollar operating budget, Mr. Vita said.
The expansion from Korea, Mr. Vita said, arose from Cardinal Sin's intervention during Pope John Paul II's 1983 visit to Korea. Cardinal Sin joined the pontiff, met Monsignor Schwartz and begged him to establish refuges for children in the Philippines.
After resisting initially, Monsignor Schwartz agreed to a feasibility study in 1984. The sight of so much poverty moved him, and the next year the first Boystown/Girlstown was opened in Manila, with others to follow in Cebu and Silang. They serve more than 7,000 children and adults in the homes and hospitals.
Monsignor Schwartz is survived by six brothers and sisters: Mary Flanagan of Princeton, N.J.; Louis Schwartz Jr. of Bethesda; Rose Herold of Atlanta; Dolores Vita of Lanham; Margaret Mercier of Vienna, Va.; and Joan Baur of Calverton, Md.
Mr. Vita said memorial contributions to further the work of Asian Relief Inc. may be sent to 4815 Edmonston Road, Hyattsville, Md. 20781.
Monday, December 12, 2011
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
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.
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.
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
* * *
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.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
READ: "Story of Aloysius Schwartz" by Vincent J. O'Malley,C.M.
"Story of Aloysius Schwartz"
Saints of Asia: 1500 to the Present
Vincent J. O'Malley,C.M.
Born in Washington, D.C., the third of seven children, Aloysius Schwartz (1930-1992) attended Holy Name Grammar School, Saint Maryknoll College at Lakewood, New Jersey and Glen Ellyn, Illinois: and matriculated in theology at Louvain University, in Belgium. After visiting the shrine of the Virgin of the Poor at Banneux, Belgium, he dedicated his life to serving the poorest of the poor.
After ordination on June 29, 1957, Father Al was assigned to Pusan, South Korea, where he arrived on December 8. Evidence of post-war poverty abounded, especially among orphaned or abandoned street children. These children lacked the necessities of life. For these innocent victims, Fr. Al conceived and oversaw the construction of a Childrens Village to provide the poorest youth with basic necessities. To assist him in this mission, he founded two religious congregations: in 1964, the Sisters of Mary; and seventeen years later, the Brothers of Christ.
In 1985 and 1990, he extended his ministry to the Philippines and Mexico respectively. His foucus remained
the poor, and especially children. He founded Children's Villages in South Korea at Pusan(1964) and Seoul (1975); in the Phillipines at Manila (1985), Talisay (1990) and Silang (1991); and in Mexico at Chalco (1990).
In November 1989, this servant of the poorest of the poor was diagnosed with ALS, known popularly as Lou Gehrig's disease, and medically as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. As his muscles gradually weakened, his mobility lessened, and he became increasingly dependent on the use of a walker, and the wheelchair. As his voice weakened, he no longer preached to large crowds, but to small groups, and eventually, his spoken word gave way to written messages. He, nonetheless, continued his ministry. As his activities diminished, his prayers increased; he spent hours praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament, also saying the rosary, and hearing confessions. He writes in an autobiography:
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to society, he was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize-- in 1984 and 1992.
On March 16, 1992 he died at Manila. The funeral procession took several hours to wind its very way through Silang as the poor poured out of their hovels to line the streets in demonstration of their affection for their advocate. Dignataries followed the cortege in grateful recognition of all that this priest had done for the church and the community. His remains were buried at the Children's Village at Silang, in Cavite Province, Philippines.
Saints of Asia: 1500 to the Present
Vincent J. O'Malley,C.M.
After ordination on June 29, 1957, Father Al was assigned to Pusan, South Korea, where he arrived on December 8. Evidence of post-war poverty abounded, especially among orphaned or abandoned street children. These children lacked the necessities of life. For these innocent victims, Fr. Al conceived and oversaw the construction of a Childrens Village to provide the poorest youth with basic necessities. To assist him in this mission, he founded two religious congregations: in 1964, the Sisters of Mary; and seventeen years later, the Brothers of Christ.
In 1985 and 1990, he extended his ministry to the Philippines and Mexico respectively. His foucus remained
the poor, and especially children. He founded Children's Villages in South Korea at Pusan(1964) and Seoul (1975); in the Phillipines at Manila (1985), Talisay (1990) and Silang (1991); and in Mexico at Chalco (1990).
In November 1989, this servant of the poorest of the poor was diagnosed with ALS, known popularly as Lou Gehrig's disease, and medically as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. As his muscles gradually weakened, his mobility lessened, and he became increasingly dependent on the use of a walker, and the wheelchair. As his voice weakened, he no longer preached to large crowds, but to small groups, and eventually, his spoken word gave way to written messages. He, nonetheless, continued his ministry. As his activities diminished, his prayers increased; he spent hours praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament, also saying the rosary, and hearing confessions. He writes in an autobiography:
"Pain is pain and suffering is suffering no matter how deep the faith, how bright the hope and how pure the love. At the same time, in the depths of the pain there is this oneness of spirits, and in the heart of the suffering there is this union of souls. And from this oneness and this union there rises a very pure, spiritual peace- this peace of God which surpasses all human understanding."
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to society, he was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize-- in 1984 and 1992.
On March 16, 1992 he died at Manila. The funeral procession took several hours to wind its very way through Silang as the poor poured out of their hovels to line the streets in demonstration of their affection for their advocate. Dignataries followed the cortege in grateful recognition of all that this priest had done for the church and the community. His remains were buried at the Children's Village at Silang, in Cavite Province, Philippines.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Fr. Al Schwartz - Ramon Magsaysay Awardee (Citation)
| The 1983 Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding CITATION for Aloysius Schwartz Ramon Magsaysay Award Presentation Ceremonies 31 August 1983, Manila, Philippines 
In this century of modern mass warfare few countries have been as devastated as Korea. Armies that 30 years ago carried their campaigns down the peninsula left the "land of the morning calm" scarred almost beyond recognition. Cities were leveled by artillery and bombs. Bridges, roads, dams and farmsteads were badly damaged; livestock was eaten by the soldiers; and several million Korean civilians were among the casualties.
For the survivors, the loss of family and the wreckage of society were even more traumatic. In the mass flight south from the communist invaders tens of thousands of parents lost their children; some families are only now being reunited through televised appeals. In the cold Korean winters, amidst the confusion of combat, many a child seeking shelter or a warm bowl of barley-gruel disappeared. War left nearly one-half the adult population without productive employment and reduced to selling rags and waste paper, begging, and stealing as a last resort. When Fr. ALOYSIUS SCHWARTZ arrived—four years after the war's end—as a secular priest in the southern diocese of Pusan, most of the city's then over one million residents still lived in makeshift shacks. Born in 1930 in Washington, D.C., SCHWARTZ had decided in grade school upon his vocation as a missionary priest, and in college on serving the poor. Studying initially in a Maryknoll seminary, he found the living conditions too plush and transferred to the Societe des Auxiliares des Missions in Louvain, Belgium, where he completed his schooling. He was ordained in Washington and promptly left to take up his assignment in Pusan. Amidst the poverty and cruelty of what in 1957 was one of Korea's worst slums, he assisted in diocesan work while learning the Korean language. Deeply sympathetic to the human tragedy around him, and angered by pious complacency, Fr. SCHWARTZ increasingly became convinced that Christianity must be expressed through a "church of the poor." Invalided to the United States in 1959 for complications arising from hepatitis, he pondered how to proceed, and in 1960 founded Korean Relief, Inc., to raise funds by mail in the U.S. to be used in service to the poor. Returning to Pusan in 1962 he was appointed pastor of the depressed Song-do parish, where ministering to spiritual needs proved to be only part of his calling. Disturbed by the poor care given orphans, he enlisted and trained young women volunteers to become "mothers," each to 10-12 of the orphans under his care. From such beginnings grew Pusan's Boystown and Girlstown, which now provide kindergarten through technical high school—and recently junior college, for some 1,400 of the most underprivileged. Boystown and Girlstown in Seoul followed, where over 2,600 are similarly educated and cared for. Fr. SCHWARTZ conducts mass on both campuses to build spirits, and encourages sports to build bodies, teamwork and self-confidence. His hospitals in Seoul and Pusan, and Tuberculosis Sanatarium in the latter, serve only the poor and are staffed by some of Korea's ablest medical personnel. Kaengsaengwon, another home, provides care for 1,500 destitute aged and disabled adults, and training for 200 poorly adjusted or retarded youngsters. Operating these institutions are the Sisters of Mary, founded by SCHWARTZ from the nucleus of "orphan mothers," and now numbering 150 Korean women. Assisting them are the 13 men of his new order, the Brothers of Christ, likewise dedicated to serving the poor. Visitors remark on the spontaneity, cleanliness and health of the young charges, the involvement of the sick and elderly, and the fine maintenance of all the facilities.  In electing Fr. ALOYSIUS SCHWARTZ, priest of Pusan, to receive the 1983 Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding, the Board of Trustees recognizes his mobilizing European and American support to succor acutely deprived Korean youngsters, homeless elderly and infirm.
Source: http://www.rmaf.org.ph/
|
Monday, December 5, 2011
INTERCESSION: Need a Miracle? Ask for Fr. Al's Intercession
Servant of God, Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz
(1930 - 1992)
Founder of the Religious Congregations of the
Sisters of Mary and Brothers of Christ
(1930 - 1992)
Founder of the Religious Congregations of the
Sisters of Mary and Brothers of Christ
PRAYER for BEATIFICATION
(The following prayer is being used around the world, asking Father Al to intercede
with
God for the petitions of those who need a miracle.)
* * *
Almighty, ever-living God, giver of all good gifts, You have filled
Msgr. Al with an ardent love for You and for souls. You have inspired
him to dedicate his life to relieve the suffering of the orphans, abandoned,
the sick and the poor, especially the youth, which he did with all humility
and courage until the end of his life. May his holy life of love and service
to the poor be recognized by the Church through his beatification
and canonization.
For your glory and honor, we pray that the life of Msgr. Al be an
inspiration for us in striving for perfection in the love of God and
service to others.
Bestow on us, through his intercession the ...(mention the favor you ask for.)
We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son and the maternal
aid of Mary, the Virgin of the Poor. Amen.
Our Father ... Hail Mary ... Glory Be ...
(With Ecclesiastical Approval)
(With Ecclesiastical Approval)
* * *
If You Have A Prayer Request:
The Sisters of Mary and the children in the World Villages would be honored to remember
The Sisters of Mary and the children in the World Villages would be honored to remember
your intentions in their daily prayer.
For prayer requests or favors granted, kindly write to:
The Sisters of Mary Girlstown Complex
Biga II, Silang 4118 Cavite, Philippines
Tel. No. (046) 414.2575; (046) 865.3097; (632) 529.8321
E-mail: fatheralsainthood@facfi.org.ph
Website: http://www.fatheralsainthood.org/
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Fr. Al and the Eucharist
~ Venerable Aloysius Schwartz
In 1989, he was diagnosed to have a terminal illness. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He accepted with it with joy, serenity and courage, and regarded it as a gift from God. In spite of his deteriorating health, he still expanded his Boystown and Girlstown program in Mexico, which he called his "unfinished symphony".
With humility, courage, and unwavering faith, he suffered and accepted a lot of humiliations, criticisms, pains, incredible trials, and difficulties. He did his best to relieve the suffering of the poor. His illness made him immobile, still even on a wheelchair, he continued to fulfill his duties with joy. He spent hours before the Blessed Sacrament, praying the rosary, hearing confessions, and preaching in words and examples the virtues of truth, justice, chastity, charity and humility, penance and fortitude. His love for God and the poor consumed him. He did not only help the poor but also he lived poorly.
With humility, courage, and unwavering faith, he suffered and accepted a lot of humiliations, criticisms, pains, incredible trials, and difficulties. He did his best to relieve the suffering of the poor. His illness made him immobile, still even on a wheelchair, he continued to fulfill his duties with joy. He spent hours before the Blessed Sacrament, praying the rosary, hearing confessions, and preaching in words and examples the virtues of truth, justice, chastity, charity and humility, penance and fortitude. His love for God and the poor consumed him. He did not only help the poor but also he lived poorly.
* * *
After his death in 1992, Fr. Al's footsteps could still be traced and seen in his Boystowns and Girlstowns. His legacy is LOVE.
He taught us to love JESUS in the EUCHARIST; he taught us to love Jesus through devotion to the saints and the Blessed Mother; he taught us the love of Jesus in the poorest of the poor; and, above all, he taught us to see and touch the face of God in the poor whom we are serving.
His spirit of poverty has taught us that only in emptying one's self can one possess God, the most treasured Good, and with God one possesses everything.
Indeed, we will always feel grateful for having once seen, talked to, and listened to Fr. Al, who was a generous instrument of God's love. --- Sr. Michaela Kim, SM
Friday, December 2, 2011
Fr. Al and the Brothers of Christ
"Serving the poorest of the poor in the Name of Christ."
The Brothers of Christ is a religious congregation founded by the Servant of God Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz, an American missionary priest in Seoul, Korea on May 10, 1981, to respond to the reality of poverty, suffering and deprivation of the poorest of the poor.
The congregation supervises and maintains a program that provides shelter and training to the destitute and homeless elderly people and young adult.
They render various forms of assistance and service that include direct evangelization and values formation, as well as livelihood trainings, self-help projects, recreational facilities and retreat activities. In Seoul Korea, the Brothers are currently taking care of 1,700 abandoned adult and elderly men who are physically and mentally challenged, homeless and alcoholic. The Brothers take proper care for those entrusted to their care by providing them free hospice, food, clothing, medical and health services.
To broaden their knowledge in the welfare and services, and to be able to provide quality services the Brothers visited other welfare institutions for homeless people located in the major cities in Korea and while others attended social welfare classes to obtain a social worker license.
At present time, the Brothers of Christ are trying to reach out to the poor in other countries like Mexico and the Philippines.
In the Philippines, seeing the Filipinos’ urgent need to alleviate the sufferings of the poor people, they decided to set-up, supervise, operate and maintain a Welfare Program for the poorest of the poor, elderly and young adult, out of school youth, physically and mentally challenged men by providing them various forms of voluntary assistance. To wit: Evangelization and values formation, livelihood programs, self-help projects and recreational facilities and retreat activities, to the non-paying poor coming from different places of the country.
In almost two years of preparation for the operation of the residential care for the out of school youth, physically and mentally challenged men, they involve themselves in visiting and do apostolate work to the different kinds of institutions to gather some information and see the actual operation for the said clients.
Seeing the needs of the society especially to the physically and mentally challenged and the out of school youth, Bro. Matthew Gu, together with the Filipino Brothers, established the Brothers of Christ of Banneux, Inc. (BCBI) in order to serve this under privileged people. The institution is a non-stock, non-profit corporation that provides residential care for the poorest of the poor. It will be maintained and supported by grants, donations, gifts and bequests from noble, selfless and well-meaning persons and entities locally and internationally.
For more info and vocation concerns, VISIT or WRITE US at:
They render various forms of assistance and service that include direct evangelization and values formation, as well as livelihood trainings, self-help projects, recreational facilities and retreat activities. In Seoul Korea, the Brothers are currently taking care of 1,700 abandoned adult and elderly men who are physically and mentally challenged, homeless and alcoholic. The Brothers take proper care for those entrusted to their care by providing them free hospice, food, clothing, medical and health services.
To broaden their knowledge in the welfare and services, and to be able to provide quality services the Brothers visited other welfare institutions for homeless people located in the major cities in Korea and while others attended social welfare classes to obtain a social worker license.
At present time, the Brothers of Christ are trying to reach out to the poor in other countries like Mexico and the Philippines.
In the Philippines, seeing the Filipinos’ urgent need to alleviate the sufferings of the poor people, they decided to set-up, supervise, operate and maintain a Welfare Program for the poorest of the poor, elderly and young adult, out of school youth, physically and mentally challenged men by providing them various forms of voluntary assistance. To wit: Evangelization and values formation, livelihood programs, self-help projects and recreational facilities and retreat activities, to the non-paying poor coming from different places of the country.
In almost two years of preparation for the operation of the residential care for the out of school youth, physically and mentally challenged men, they involve themselves in visiting and do apostolate work to the different kinds of institutions to gather some information and see the actual operation for the said clients.
Seeing the needs of the society especially to the physically and mentally challenged and the out of school youth, Bro. Matthew Gu, together with the Filipino Brothers, established the Brothers of Christ of Banneux, Inc. (BCBI) in order to serve this under privileged people. The institution is a non-stock, non-profit corporation that provides residential care for the poorest of the poor. It will be maintained and supported by grants, donations, gifts and bequests from noble, selfless and well-meaning persons and entities locally and internationally.
***
Brothers of Christ of Banneux, Inc. (BC)
"Serving the poorest of the poor in the Name of Christ."
Crisanto M. Delos Reyes Ave., Brgy. Biclatan, Gen. Trias, Cavite Philippines
Phone: (046) 686-3589 | (+63919) 815-4947 • Email: brosphtrece@yahoo.com
FB Page: BOC Philippines
"Serving the poorest of the poor in the Name of Christ."
Crisanto M. Delos Reyes Ave., Brgy. Biclatan, Gen. Trias, Cavite Philippines
Phone: (046) 686-3589 | (+63919) 815-4947 • Email: brosphtrece@yahoo.com
FB Page: BOC Philippines
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
WATCH: Servant of God, Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz
Servant of God, Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz (1930 - 1992)
Founder of the Religious Congregations of the Sisters of Mary and Brothers of Christ.
Champion of the Poor and Father to countless children in the Boystowns and Girlstowns in Korea, Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil and Honduras!
The video above is courtesy of World Villages for Children. Feel free to watch and share. Thank you very much!Thursday, November 10, 2011
Fr. Al Schwartz: Champion of the Poor, My Hero!
A testament to a life lived to the fullest, a tribute to my hero - Venerable Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz. Founder of the Religious Congregations of the Sisters of Mary and the Brothers of Christ and the World Villages for Children. Priest, Father, Champion, and a Hero to thousands of children from the poorest of the poor families in Korea, Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, and now in Tanzania, Africa. Join me in my crusade to make Fr. Al known to as many people as possible.
This blog and Facebook page was born out of an inspiration from a note and message of our dear Sr. Teresita Prudente, SM, former Principal and Local Superior of Sisters of Mary, Boystown - Silang Campus!
"EVERYONE IN LIFE HAS A HERO!
SOMEONE THEY LOOK UP TO
AND TRY TO BE LIKE, ONE DAY.
DEAR CHILDREN OF FR. AL,
MAY FR. AL BE YOUR HERO,
YOUR ROLE MODEL."
- Sr. Teresita Prudente, SM
MAY FR. AL BE YOUR HERO,
YOUR ROLE MODEL."
- Sr. Teresita Prudente, SM
* * *
If you have some articles, stories, testimonials about our dear Fr. Al, feel free to message us. You may post it in Father Al, My Hero Facebook page or email me at: a.sanbuenaventura@gmail.com
Please ADD this blog in your list. LIKE our Facebook page and share it to others.
 |
| Please SUBSCRIBE to the Official Youtube Channel of The Sisters of Mary and Fr. Al! |
Please FOLLOW the Journey to Fr. Al to Sainthood. Check out the Official website of Fr. Al's Journety to Sainthood! Let us spread the good news and be inspired! Thank you very much! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)