21 July was the first time that the Feast of Blessed Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan was officially celebrated. On this day many brothers and sisters of the great Salvatorian Family gathered, thanking God for the gift of their Founder. So, it was also in Rome, where Salvatorian Sisters, Salvatorian Fathers and Brothers and their co-operators gathered to share their joy, gratitude, and faith.
The event began at 10 o'clock in the morning at the Church of St. Mary of Piety in Campo Santo Teutonico. After the solemn announcement of its imposing bells, some 35 Salvatorians, together with the inhabitants present from the Pontifical College Campo Santo Teutonico, under the presidency of the Superior General, Fr. Milton Zonta, sang the morning prayer, followed by the unveiling and blessing of a commemorative plaque in honour of Blessed Francis Jordan. The reason for choosing this place is that the newly beatified lived for a time in the College next to the cemetery "Campo Santo dei Teutonici e dei Fiamminghi" from October 1878 to May 1879. The beautiful marble commemorative plaque was unveiled by two of the Salvatorian Brothers: Br. Krzysztof Konecko, the treasurer of the Motherhouse and Br. Juan Quintana, who is a student. It was the Rector of the Pontifical Teutonic College, Prelate Hans-Peter Fischer, originally from the same Archdiocese as Blessed Francis Jordan (Freiburg im Breisgau), who blessed it in the presence of the spiritual sons and daughters of Blessed Francis Jordan and again under the beautiful sound of the church bells, next to St. Peter's Basilica and a loud applause of all: a clear sign of enthusiasm and gratitude for the good things God has done in the person of the Founder and keeps doing in all those who committedly want to live the Salvatorian Charism.
Around 11 o'clock, the community went to the Via della Conciliazione and gathered in the chapel of the Mother House of the Society for Eucharist. In this place, which really invites for prayer and meditation, the mortal remains of the Founder are kept in a beautiful shrine.
Fr. Milton, in his homily, invited all those present to share the broad vision of the Founder, without getting lost in small things, keeping their eyes fixed on Him who made known the immense love of God the Father: Jesus the Saviour of the world. He also underlined the importance of feeling sent, just as Jesus was sent by his Father, He sent his disciples to be fishers of men, so also Blessed Francis Jordan wanted for his spiritual sons and daughters. Salvatorians are sent to live and proclaim in community, in a profound relationship with God, so that all may feel and know the love and closeness of the Father, manifested in his Son Jesus the Saviour.
During the toast, after the eucharistic celebration, Fr. Milton heartily thanked Prelate Hans-Peter Fischer for his presence, his generosity, and the permission to place the commemorative plaque in honour of Blessed Francis Jordan, and moreover for the good and friendly relationship that has been growing between the Salvatorian Community of the Motherhouse and the community of the Pontifical Teutonic College.
The festivities concluded with a nice lunch: an opportunity for further fraternal sharing, focusing on the friendship and love to which Blessed Francis Jordan always called his followers.
May his example be an inspiration to many!
Blessed Francis Jordan, pray for us.
