Great Feast of St. Michael Garicoits at Asunción
All the Chapter members went out early to meet the members of the Vicariate of Paraguay. We started the day visiting the famous the college "St Michael Garicoïts" built by Fr. Saubatte SCJ for the most disadvantaged children which is next to "St José" college founded by Fr. Tounedou SCJ in 1904, which is the flagship of education in Paraguay. Indeed, it was for the education of young people that Betharram was called to Paraguay.
We then celebrated the solemn Mass in the parish of San Jose, presided over by Bishop Emeritus Silvero Claudio SCJ and concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Gorgoza Ignacio SCJ. The Superior General, Father Gaspar Fernandez Perez SCJ, preached the homily saying that we all are called to be the examples of St. Michael Garicoits, who drew all his energy from the Incarnate Heart of Jesus. We and the Delegates of the Betharramite laity came from Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay joined us on this occasion.
After the Mass we went to the large sports ground of the college "St José" founded by "Father Condou". It was here that Pope Francis met with civil society leaders during his memorable visit to Paraguay in 2015. The young people of La Colmena presented the folk dances in which the genius of the Guarani people was expressed. Then an excellent meal was served in a cheerful and dancing atmosphere.
It was indeed a great day to meet the delegates of the lay people of the region "Father Auguste Etchecopar". They shared their thoughts on the theme of this chapter "Running to embrace life's call". We commit ourselves to be inspired by their reflections during the work of the chapter. Then an exchange of news took place between the laity and the religious with a great deal of fraternity.
On the way back we made a visit to Carmel and entrusted to them the work of our Chapter. We concluded this extraordinary day with the song of the Vespers, giving thanks to the Lord for being able to celebrate this day with the laity of the Batharram in honour of our founder. We are convinced that our links and collaborations will enrich us all.
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