he
city of Mazatlan has received a new Shrine, located in the area of
Fovisste, dedicated to Blessed Guido Maria Conforti, Founder of the
Xaverian Missionaries. The
architect Jorge Avina was inspired by El Tajin Pyramid, from the
Aztec culture. The
shrine portrays a royal character, bringing together in an
harmonious balance an architectural religious temple of the Aztec
culture and western concepts. Its
structure, its many details, its form, speak of many works and sweat
of so many people involved.
It was through the various activities and efforts of friends and benefactors of the Xaverians that this shrine came to be. Dances, fundraising events, precious gifts received from door to door, … these are some of the things done to see this project through, and gain a wider circle of collaborators. The walls of the sanctuary speak of so many others who contributed towards its realization, and they are not with us today.
For many of the construction workers, Nov. 5th of 2001 meant reaching a goal, and so many cried of joy in seeing such a extraordinary work come to a close: “This is the result of good will… it’s a miracle!” some people said.
The bishop was not able to be present at the ceremony, but he was present when, a few years back, the cornerstone was put in place, at the beginning of the works. It was through the efforts of Fr. Rafael Martinez, s.x., pastor of St. John the Apostle church, that this construction was thought about. “It was one evening, in a Christian community – he recalls – we discussed how we could increase the sense of mission and participation of the people. We decided that a shrine should be started, honoring a missionary who had given much time and effort to this parish. Then, it dawned on us that the shrine could be dedicated to the Father of Missionaries, such as Blessed Guido Maria Conforti.” Bishop Conforti was beatified in 1996, just at the time this community was putting together the project. This year marks the conclusion of the 50 years of presence of the Xaverians in Mexico, and many friends came to express their appreciation for the first time in this shrine. Together with Fr. Martinez, present were also Frs. Victor and Elio, Xaverians who represented the Bishop. They celebrated the Mass appropriate for the day, in honor of Blessed Guido Maria Conforti, on Nov. 5th.
With
attention to details, the liturgical committee set a beautiful
painting of Guido Conforti underneath a powerful Crucifix.
It seemed as though the childhood event of Guido Conforti of
the encounter of the Crucifix in the Church of Peace in Parma was
once again relived and made more concrete.
It’s a mystic encounter.
It’s an inspiring meeting of those who say “yes” and
the One who calls them. And
at this moment, instead of talking to the Crucifix, Blessed Conforti
seemed to speak to all those who were present, inviting all to seek
Christ and renew our faith in Christ.
The community of Mazatlan and all those involved in this project are confident that God will intercede for them through Blessed Conforti, and continue to invite more people to come and find Jesus, present in the shrine, and in the wider temple of the world.
(from Misioneros Xaverianos - Magazine from Mexico)