PATRONESS OF THE CONGREGATION

“All of you who pass this way look and see: Is any sorrow like the sorrow that afflicts me?” (Lamentations 1:12)

In the solitude and prayer of the Carthusian Monastery, the religious were blessed by the Lord for they discovered a remarkable treasure! They saw a picture on the wall. It was a lithograph of Our Lady of Sorrows who is venerated in Quito.

The picture presented the Sorrowful Virgin, desolate and sad after Calvary. Seven swords pierced her visible heart, and in her hands, she held three nails and a crown of thorns.

The Virgin’s sorrowful expression seemed to convey the words of Jeremias: “All of you who pass this way look and see: Is any sorrow like the sorrow that afflicts me?” (Lamentations 1:12)

The religious, of course, were very happy about having found the picture. It was Fr. Luis’ desire that the image of Our Lady of Sorrows be accepted and duly venerated by the congregation through the works the religious carried out with great fidelity.

Later, when the first reformatory, St. Rita, was opened in Madrid, a picture of Fr. Luis together with the first community of the house of reform was taken for prosperity. In the picture, while Fr. Luis and Fr. Jose de Sedavi held the image of the Virgin, Fr. Luis seemed to be introducing the Virgin as Mother and Patroness. The arrangement of the religious in the picture resembled that of a garland of flowers.

Cradle of the Congregation of the Tertiary Capuchins of Our Lady of Sorrows

The Carthusian Monastery of Puig in which the first religious of the new Congregation settled in 1889 soon proved to be an unsuitable home for the community. The surrounding rice fields and marshes were natural breeding grounds for mosquitos, carriers of the dread disease, malaria.

Fever ravaged the community in epidemic proportions, and very few survived. Some became too discouraged to remain with the Congregation. Consequently, Fr. Luis decided to look for a better place for his religious to live.

The people of Torrence, aware of the critical need of the religious community and filled with love for their former vice-parish priest, don Jose de Sedavi, offered Fr. Luis the city’s old friary San Pedro de Alcantara. Acting on behalf of the people, the Mayor, don Francisco Carratala, donated the friary to the Congregation.

Remembering that great day with pleasure, Fr. Luis wrote:

               The community’s move from the Carthusian Monastery of Puig and the acquisition of the friary in Torrente was accomplished in one transfer. On October 31, 1889, I Accomplished the religious community in its transfer to Torrente where we were received by the people with a great display of love and joy. In fact, that population always gave unequivocal proof of their love for which we will be forever indebted and eternally grateful. (Amigo no 120)

NEW TRIALS FOR THE TWO CONGREGATIONS

“The man who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)

After a period of relative calm for the two communities, still in their infancy, an impetuous wind rose on the horizon and dense cloud slowly darkened the sky.

Like two small ships, after barely having been launched, the two congregations were tried severely. But that is characteristic of any work performed for the glory of God. The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, permitted Fr. Luis as well as his two Congregations to suffer many trials.

In the following chapters, we tell of only some of these trials.

Transfer of Father Luis to Orihuela

The Province of the Sacred Heart of the Capuchins in Spain had grown considerably, and considerably, and its governance was practically impossible especially with the limited means of communication at that time.

Toward the end of 1889, the Minister General of the Capuchins visited the province. Seeing that it was necessary to subdivide the single large Province into three smaller provinces, he sought permission from the Holy See to redefine the provincial boundaries. This required the decree issued on December 12, 1889. On the 18^th of December, the Minister General announced to the Order the division of the Province of the Sacred Heart into three provinces: Aragon, with Cataluña and Navarra; Toledo, with Valencia and Andalucia; and Castilla.

Under the new arrangement, Fr. Luis belonged to the new Province of Toledo and was required to transfer from Masamagrell to Orihuela, approximately 230 kilometers from Valencia. In Orihuela, he was appointed Provincial Definitor, Professor of Theology, and Vicar of the friary of Orihuela.

Father Luis, however, did not have a vocation for teaching, and his request for a different ministry was granted; he was to direct the fraternities of the Secular Franciscans.

The transfer was very painful, indeed, but Fr. Luis obeyed with great serenity and did not waiver in his conviction that the Lord, whom the two Congregations served, would help them.

Father Luis entrusted the direction of his religious to Fr. Jose de Sedavi, who assumed the responsibility very well.

In his autobiography, Father Luis wrote:

               I was troubled only to think that perhaps I was being transferred because of my Superiors’ mistaken impression that I might have been favoring my Congregations to the detriment of the Order by depriving it of vocations and alms.

               By God’s mercy, in no way had I ever acted in the interest of my Congregations to the diminution of my even greater interest, my beloved Mother, the Capuchin Order. And the truth of this, the proof, were the improvements and the works performed and constantly introduced at the friaries I governed as Guardian.

               Therefore, serenely and with pleasure, I accepted the difficult trial to which the Lord subjected me by separating me from my children, the religious Sisters and Brothers, and entrusting their governance and direction to another because I knew He would provide protection and assistance for those who were doing His holy work. (Amigo nos. 125-126)

Father Luis’ ready obedience, however, did not reduce the difficult trials of the two new Congregations; nor did it ease their pain in feeling that they were left without a Father, Adviser, Protector, and above all, without their Founder.

The Lord, who in His providence permitted all the trials, however, showed Himself later as true Father of His children and protector of His work.

Invitation to the Tertiary Capuchin Brothers to wear the Habit of a Different Order

Based in Orihuela, Fr. Luis was very far from the two Congregations. The community of religious, under the direction of Fr. Jose de Sedavi, went about organizing its life.

 On one occasion, the community invited a religious from another Order to deliver the sermon during its annual spiritual retreat. The visiting religious got the impression that the Capuchin Fathers had abandoned the Tertiary Capuchins and proposed to the community that it exchange its religious habit for a cassock and adopt a new Constitution.

When Fr. Luis returned to Valencia to visit his religious, he was, at first, deeply disturbed by what had happened. But the Lord turned distressed into joy when Fr. Luis learned of the answer his religious had given to the visiting religious: We wear the Franciscan habit and we profess to this Order.

So encouraged, so uplifted was Fr. Luis by the firmness and fidelity his sons had demonstrated he was moved to recite the prophetic words of the Psalmist who had put himself under the protection of the Most High:

               He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High and abides in the shade of the Almighty says to the Lord: ‘My refuge, my stronghold, my God in Whom I trust!’

               … You will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day not the plague that prowls in the darkness nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.

               … Upon you shall fall no evil nor plague approach where you dwell. (Psalm 90:1-2, 5-6, 10)

HIS EQUANIMITY

“The peace of Christ reigns in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15)

Father Luis bore everything with inner peace and composure derived from his deep and abiding faith.

His fortitude, it seemed, was characteristically transcendental; it was not influenced by any particular virtue, theological, cardinal, or moral. In fact, it was the life of unwavering faith he led that was the power by which he was able to sustain his equanimity under the most adverse conditions.

A wonderful example of the constant spirit of faith with which he was imbued, and the influence of such faith, was his equanimity despite the painful ordeal of being transferred from the friary of La Magdalena in Masamagrell, Valencia, to the friary in Orihuela, almost 230 kilometers away from his two religious families. At that time, without modern transportation systems, the distance was, indeed, very great.

God called him to be the father of two religious congregations and to be the instrument of salvation for so many who were “…like sheep without a shepherd.” (Mark 6:34)

Leaving Valencia and his two congregations was, for Fr. Luis, the same as abandoning an infant still in need of its mother. The religious Sisters had been together for only four years and the religious Brothers, just eight months. There was, of course, a mutual need for Fr. Luis and his two religious communities to be together.

Nevertheless, though his heart bled, he did not despair; his equanimity did not falter, for he trusted in God.

In his autobiography, he wrote:

               Although my heart was lacerated, leaving these institutions without support from me… I was not only resigned but comforted and reassured by the disposition of my Superiors.

               In departing, I left the eldest Friars of La Magdalena wondering, for although I felt very deeply about separation, I was able to bid them farewell with a smile, whereas the Friars who also found our separation painful, wept, shedding many tears. (Amigo no. 124)

On January 9, 1890, four days after his arrival in Orihuela, Fr. Luis wrote to the Father General:

               With regard to the proposal I sent you about placing me in charge of directing the Tertiary religious, your paternal consideration was not unfavorable. In fact, you told me the proposal seemed better than having Fr. Luis de Leon direct them because he is too young. Moreover, the directorship will be only until a Superior General can be elected.

               Father, you also asked me to tell you again about the situation in Arenys.

               I think my directing the Tertiary religious is not only convenient, but necessary to impress upon the institution the spirit that must animate each religious to fulfill his purpose; to avoid the loss of the Capuchin character by permitting the introduction of orders in his governance; … So that the religious will not become discouraged thinking they have been abandoned, and consequently, lose another institution so important in saving souls.

               With this in mind, I declare that my only desire is to perform God’s Will through you.

               Most Reverently, humbly, your obedient son, Brother Luis de Masamagrell. (Letters, Circulars, and Orders of the Most Excellent and Most Reverend Father Luis Amigo Ferrer, Bishop: Madrid, 1969)

Father Luis not only obeyed, unquestioningly but showed no resentment in having received no definite answer to his request. He had no doubt that his Superior’s order was the best, and thus declared that his desire was not only to obey the will of God.

Certainly, his words filled with such fortitude, yet humble and serene, attest to his great spirit of faith. Obey in faith; live doing God’s will. Father Luis understood the complementary nature of this maxim: “Having believed, the saints have obeyed and, having obeyed, they have believed.” (James 2:18-24)

Father Luis was never afraid of being impoverished because of his complete dedication to the Gospel: “Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)

These words echo those of yet another blessed disciple: “And His commandments are not difficult.” (1 John 5:3)

Undoubtedly, his equanimity, his trust in God, was so deep that Fr. Luis was able to preserve the peace of Christ in his heart at every moment of his life. With such peace came the strength and power to overcome the most difficult tests of faith; and for such faith, the Lord valued and rewarded him on earth.

In fact, after a few years in Orihuela, Fr. Luis was elected Guardian and Provincial Definitor at the friary of Olleria for six years. In 1898 he was elected the first Provincial of the reorganized province of the Most Precious Blood of Valencia. Finally, on March 21, 1907, on the eve of the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, Fr. Luis was prompted to episcopal dignity by the Holy Father.

Father Luis was, at first, named Apostolic Administrator, then Bishop of Solsona, Lerida, and later, Bishop of Segorbe, Valencia. In this way, he was able to visit his sons and offer them guidance. With the psalmists, he sang:

“Universal peace

For those who love your law,

No stumbling blocks for them!

Waiting for you, Yahweh, my Savior

I fulfill your commandments.

My soul observes your decrees;

These I wholly love.” (Psalm 118:165-167)

HIS EVANGELICAL POVERTY

“Provide yourselves with no gold or silver, not even with a few copper pieces for your purses; with no haversack for the journey, or spare tunic, or footwear, or staff, for the workman deserves his keep.” (Matthew 10:9-10)

Poverty was the true wealth of the saints. When the companions of St. Francis saw him deep in thought, they asked if, perhaps, he was thinking of marrying. St. Francis answered: “Yes, I want to marry a lady more noble and better than any of you have seen, who will surpass all for her figure, and who will be distinguished among all for her wisdom.” (Prima Vita di Francesco, 1228) That lady was actually “Lady Poverty,” the true religion, the hidden treasure of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Where most men of the world looked to poverty, wealth, and security as the best in life, to someone like St. Francis the only life worth pursuing was the life of poverty.

Those who valued the life of poverty were, indeed, the few who listened to the word of God and heeded it; they lived by such words as: “Provide yourselves with no gold and silver…” (Matthew 10:9-10) and “How happy are the poor in spirit…” (Matthew 5:3) and “Look at the birds in the sky…” (Matthew 6:26-27)

In this manner lived Fr. Luis Amigo, who at the age of twenty left everything – family, property, country – and went to Bayonne, France, to begin a new life of evangelical poverty and in pursuit of all other virtues.

A few years later, on March 29, 1879, Fr. Luis was ordained and was allowed by God to practice, in particular, this virtue of poverty. Indeed, on the day of his ordination, neither family nor friends were present to enhance the solemnity of this very special occasion. In fact, even necessities were lacking, as Fr. Luis recorded in his autobiography:

               On the eve of my ordination I did not even have a ribbon with which to bind my hands at my consecration. Because there was no time to ask for one to be sent from Santander, Father Guardian sent me to the Poor Clares at Escalante to see whether the Sisters could provide me one. The poor Sisters had nothing suitable for the occasion either; however, they did find a brown, silk ribbon hanging from a bouquet. This was used at my consecration. I mention this to point out that even for so solemn an act as my consecration, God wanted me to exercise poverty.

               This was no less a shining example of poverty than the occasion of the celebration of my first Mass. I celebrated low Mass on April 4^th, the day of Our Lady of Sorrows. On this special occasion, the celebration of my first Mass, I received no gift other than the presence of the Bishop, whose kindness was very much appreciated. (Amigo no. 48)

Another significant episode occurred a few months before his death in March 1934. Father Joaquin Guillen, delegate of the Congregation to Italy, wrote Fr. Luis asking for some souvenirs for the Italian religious. Father Luis replied: “… I will do as much as possible to send some small mementos to those religious, but you know that here we attend to our needs with great difficulty. In fact, our only income is from the donations offered at the celebration of Holy Mass…” (Cartas, Circulares. 1934) Afterwards, Fr. Luis sent a previously used crucifix for each religious, as had been requested.

Even as Bishop, he continued to live a simple and plain life as a Capuchin, putting into practice his episcopal motto: “And I lay down my life for my sheep.” (John 10:15) Many examples showing the great love and practice of seraphic virtue in his daily life could be cited; however, the virtuous, generous, and efficacious life of Father Luis Amigo is abundantly clear from the facts that have been possible within the scope of his writing.

Poverty was most precious to the saints. In turning away from the world, they found it easier to approach Christ and to help the poor.

Generous young men who, like St. Francis and Luis Amigo, feel called by God understand these values to be the most worthwhile and, in their distinctive generosity, they know how to leave everything for the sake of Christ.

FIRST REHABILITATION HOUSE

“Tell me, suppose a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside, and go search of the stray? (Matthew 18:12)

The increase in juvenile delinquency since 1875 generated sufficient interest in some well-meaning individuals in the capital of Spain to try to establish a house for the reform and re-education of recalcitrant young men.

The idea was, largely, spearheaded by Don Francisco Lastres, a lawyer. When the overall plan was ready for implementation, difficulties arose concerning staff to direct the work. Various individuals, both laymen, and clergy were invited to help with the important work of the new institution. All declined, however, once the nature of the work and its inherent challenges were recognized. In Turin, Italy, don Bosco [of the Society of St. Francis de Sales] was also approached. At first, he was interested in the idea of working with young men. But upon learning of the correctional nature of the house in which the young men were to be secluded during their period of rehabilitation, he said frankly, “I cannot. What you ask of me is contrary to the basic rule that the walls of my schools are the streets. At the Salesian institutions, those who wish to leave may do so, whereas in the Centre you propose, the youths are not permitted to come and go freely.”

Because the reactions were always the same, continuing the search for someone to assume responsibility for the new rehabilitation house or reformatory, seemed useless.

When Francisco Lastres went to Rome as a congressional representative of Spain, he visited the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII. He explained the situation and implored the Holy Father to recommend a Spanish Congregation that could undertake the work. The Holy Father suggested the Tertiary Capuchins of Valencia. (Roca, 1968/1981 [ 1:125])

Upon his return to Madrid, happy and hopeful, Francisco Lastres spoke with the Bishop, Monsignor Ciriaco Sancha Hervas, seeking the collaboration of the Congregation. Father Luis was contracted immediately and invited to speak with the patrons of the new institution.

After his initial visit and consultations, Fr. Luis agreed to direct the work for the re-education of wayward youths. His commitment was made on the condition that their agreement would become effective after the religious profession of his novices which would take place on June 24, 1890.

Father Luis put Fr. Jose de Sedavi and Bro. Francisco Javier de Valencia in charge of preparing for the foundation of the new house.

On October 24, 1890, the first group of religious left Torrente, Valencia for Madrid to open the new rehabilitation house, St. Rita; they took charge of the reformatory and began operating the institution at the end of the month. (Roca, 127)

Thus, the Congregation undertook and remained engaged in, a very difficult and important work, work, work that would have a significant impact on the congregation’s future.

Needless to say, there were numerous obstacles to overcome, some seemingly insurmountable, especially those that had to do with the professional preparation of personnel. The spirit of sacrifice and dedication of these Brothers was such, however, that they not only brilliantly overcome every obstacle, but even left their critics no choice but to publicly admit the capability of these religious. The Brother’s strongest critics did, literally, retract their unfounded criticism, thus calling attention to the valuable service being provided. The spirit and work of the Brothers brought much glory to God and to the Church.

Later in mid-June 1891, during his canonical pastoral visit to the community, Fr. Luis was amazed and pleased by the wonderful atmosphere he felt there, and sought to raise the hearts of his religious, to reaffirm their purpose and to inspire everyone with renewed strength, courage, and fervor to continue the arduous work they had undertaken.

From that point on, Fr. Luis considered that house the most important one in the Congregation. Actually, the mission of the house prepared the congregation itself to dutifully carry out the specific objective to which the Lord had directed it: the re-education of outcast, deviant youths.

Approval of the Holy See of the Tertiary Capuchin Brothers

The splendid reputation of the St. Rita House of Reform became known throughout Spain. By this first experience of the religious, the Congregation man manifested its Epiphany so that soon they were called to open other houses of reform in Valencia, Sevilla, Madrid, Zaragoza, and in other cities in the country.

By decree on September 19, 1902, the Holy See gave full recognition and approval to the precious work of the Congregation and its contribution to the Church.

MISSION OF LOVE

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 2:4)

It was the moment of providence!

The long period of preparation was over, and it was already necessary to go out “… to bring the good news to the poor, to bind up hearts that were broken, to proclaim liberty to captives… to comfort all those who mourn…” (Isaiah 61:1-2)

The new religious were simple young men, filled with the Holy Spirit from whom they received the power, the courage, and the wisdom to dutifully fulfill so lofty a mission.

As always, the Lord used the simple and the humble to bring his message into the world so that it might be clear that the work was, indeed His, and not of men. The religious started to receive many requests from everywhere to carry on their mission of love.

Despite the myriad of difficulties in which he found himself, the Father Founder’s heart was filled with joy seeing the increasing of number of foundations. Through eyes of faith, he already foresaw his children crossing the borders of Spain, going to foreign lands to bring the good news and the bread of earth and heaven to the outcast, to delinquent and wayward youths everywhere. In other words, he wished to attract all to Christ and to help in their reconciliation with Him.

Most important to Fr. Luis was the salvation of people, especially those farthest away from Christ. For this reason, Fr. Luis wanted his religious to be as well-prepared and professionally trained as possible for the performance of their various duties. The better prepared his religious were the better their chances would be to effectively carry out the great mission entrusted to them by God.

In the conclusion of his study entitled Luis Amigo, Varon Fuerte, Emperador, Luis Nozal Cuesta, Tertiary Capuchin, and great scholar and admirer of the Father Founder Writes:

               The Lord gave us in the person of the Father Founder, a model of religious life – tenacious and constant. In concluding this long series of declarations, it seems opportune to quote the authoritative word of a man who gave us one of the most truthful portraits of the religious and human figure of Father Luis Amigo. It was Father Melchor de Benisa who said, “Father Luis Amigo was really one of the few models that we know both in the realm of nature and the realm of grace. He was always in perfect control of his actions… In all my contacts with many religious, I saw few with the pleasing disposition of the Servant of God (now a Venerable) … He was firm in his purpose to carry on his work.” (Nozal, 1982)

TOWARDS THE EPISCOPATE

“The Good Shepherd is one who lays down His life for His sheep.” (John 10:11)

Finally, after a long and intense period in the apostolate, as a religious, as a priest, as a Superior and Founder, Father Luis was promoted to the episcopal dignity, Bishop, on March 21, 1907, and on August 4^th the Holy See entrusted to him the diocese of Solsona, Lerida, where he stayed until July 18, 1913.

After the ceremony of reception at the diocese of Solsona, Fr. Luis went to the cathedral and delivered his speech of thanksgiving and purpose.

He began by explaining that, bound by holy obedience, he had come to govern the diocese as a Father to his children and shepherd of his flock. He came prepared to give his very life for them, if necessary, according to the motto inscribed on his coat of arms: “I Lay Down My Life for My Sheep.” (John 10:15) He continued, stating that as a very good shepherd he would go ahead of his flock, preaching efficaciously by example, and leading all in the way to heaven. He concluded by saying he would give himself to everybody.

Hearing this apostle, the people were touched by the humility, sincerity, unction and paternal love conveyed by his message. It seemed to all that they were looking at an apostle who was offering himself to greater sacrifice to lead them all to Christ.

Indeed, Fr. Luis ran the diocese with love and with a great spirit of sacrifice until November 1913, when he entered a new diocese.

On July 18, 1913, the See of Segorbe, Castellon, became vacant and was offered by this Apostolic Nuncio to Fr. Luis. Father Luis accepted the diocese with pleasure so that he could be near his two Congregations.

Father Luis left Solsona on November 6, 1913, and entered the new diocese on November 30^th, the feast of the Apostle St. Andrew, and was cheerfully received by the entire population.

EXAMPLE OF CHARITY AND LOVE TOWARDS THE POOR

“A Samaritan… was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them…” (Luke 10:33-35)

First as a Capuchin and then as a Bishop, Father Luis distinguished himself by his charity towards the poor in both dioceses. He called the poor “his favorite people.” For them, he opened a parish school to counter the pernicious effects of the laical school and heartily recommended to his superiors that his Tertiary Capuchin Brothers teach catechism to the poor children of the population.

One day, a poor man who was wanted by the local authorities came to the episcopal palace of Solsona, seeking help. Father Luis received him with great mercy. A few days later, the man fell seriously ill. Father Luis concerned about the stricken man’s recovery, visited him frequently, and attended to him until the man recuperated and could return to his family.

Father Luis never neglected his priests, particularly the elderly who needed help. (Alcalde, 1978) One of them said: “His governance was of exquisite spiritual elegance. He always received us promptly when we were in need; and never did he limit or measure his time with us. Yet he reprimanded, reminded, and advised us paternally with great patience and charity.” (Colleccion de Fuentes, 1973)

UNLIMITED LOVE TOWARDS THE POOR AND NEEDY

“Yet here I am among you as one who serves!” (Luke 22:27)

These words spoken by Jesus were, without doubt, strong and unequivocal:

               You will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judea and Samaria and, indeed, to the ends of the earth. (Acts 4:8)

               Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this love you have for another, everyone will know that you are my disciples. (John 16:34-35)

               Your light must shine in the sight of men, so that seeing your works, they may give praise to your Father in Heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

According to the disciples, the true witnesses of Jesus, He taught by good works and example, not by words.

As a religious and a Bishop, Fr. Luis Amigo embraced the Gospel and like Jesus, taught love by example.

He always loved the poor limited by neither diocesan nor national frontiers, and like Jesus, he embraced the whole world. As a brother to all, he helped those who were in need regardless of how small or great, near or far.

In a circular to the diocese of Solsona, written a few months after his arrival in the city, he reported:

               Considering the great sorrow of so many families suffering material loss caused by recent calamities, it is, of course, our first duty to seek means to mitigate the sad situation of our children and their tears.

               Yet, in our poverty, it is impossible to provide for the needs of all; therefore, we are thinking of starting a campaign for assistance in the diocesan Bulletin, hoping that the people of the Capital, the parish clergy, and other diocesan people will respond with a charity that will honor them… (Solsona, 1907)

With great generosity, Fr. Luis did all he could to alleviate the suffering of the needy, particularly the victims of disaster and war.

The victims of the earthquake of Messina were the Sicilian and Calabrian people. Father Luis promptly solicited contributions, hoping to send emergency supplies to the Holy Father to aid the earthquake victims. For the casualties of that disaster, he celebrated solemn Mass in the Cathedral and invited all the parishes to do the same. (Solsona, 1909)

In a similar manner, Fr. Luis continued his appeals for emergency aid for victims of other disasters and launched fund-raising campaigns for needed supplies and facilities in various desperate situations, such as the tragic week of Barcelona (incendiary burning of friaries): the war in Africa; the cholera epidemic in Russia; the home for elderly and invalid priests; and the war victims of 1915-18.

Of course, there were always public and private requests for the help and charity of the Brothers.

Not a few, but many incidents have been documented and have shed light on the great charitable works of Father Luis who, in responding to the poor and the needy, knew neither frontiers nor limitations of any kind. The image of Christ is reflected in his life’s work and in his nondiscriminatory and abundant compassion for humanity.

Since his youth, Fr. Luis had shown tenderness and love to the poor. His compassion for the poor, like that of the Master’s, was expressed through love and mercy and demonstrated through good works of charity.

FIRST TERTIARY CAPUCHINS TO GO ABROAD

“Go out to the whole world; proclaim the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15)

Princes Anna Granito Pignatelli told her brother, Cardinal Gennaro Granito Pignatelli, then Protector of the Congregation, that she wished to donate some of her real property to the poor. The property consisted of a medieval castle and approximately twenty-two hectares of land in Galatone, Lecce, Italy.

Cardinal Gennaro saw this as an opportunity for the Tertiary Capuchins to expand and bring their noble mission abroad to the people of Italy and thus, offered the property to the Tertiary Capuchins. The offer was accepted. Father Ludovico de Valencia, Father Joaquin Guillen, and Brother Emilio Bravo comprised the first community sent from Spain to establish the mission in Italy. This was not accomplished without encountering difficulties. However, it is not necessary to elaborate upon the exceptional spirit of sacrifice of those first religious in Italy.

The population soon learned of their good work. The religious captured the hearts of children and won the respect and admiration of the people. As the people approached the religious more and more, they naturally grew close to them and appreciated their good works.

 The hardships and sacrifices of those religious did not go unrecognized, as evidence in the letter of February 4, 1934 written by Mayor Armando de Franchis to Father Ludovico:

               It is my great pleasure to commend you Religious, your faithful cooperators, for their excellent work and praiseworthy behavior during the many crises they faced.

               For this, I wish that your institution, which you direct so well, will achieve its desired purpose as soon as possible, for the glory will always illustrate our City as most enthusiastic of your beautiful institution. (Fattizzo, 1953)

The first house was opened in Galatone on February 2, 1927, the feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary. Exactly one year later, the Seraphic Seminary, which attracted many vocations to the Congregation, was inaugurated.

On March 23, 1928, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, the chapel of the new house was inaugurated and blessed.

Father Founder was informed of the good news, and on April 9, 1928, he extended his congratulations to Fr. Ludovico. Father Founder told his religious in Italy that they should be very happy about having been chosen to sow the seed. They must now cultivate it carefully, nurturing it with their good work and suffering. In his concluding remarks, he added that those who wished to join the Congregation, referring to them as his “beloved Sons”, must consider themselves honored to have been chosen for this especially important congregation in Italy. (Colleccio de Fuentes)

Display of Tenderness towards the Italian Religious

The last significant expression of tenderness by Father Luis was towards the Italian Religious.

In 1934, a group of Italian religious were to be transferred to Spain and accompanied by Father Alexander Aparicio. However, for various reasons, the group was not able to travel with him.

When Fr. Aparicio announced his arrival in Godella, Valencia, everyone expected the Italian religious also and went about the preparations accordingly.

The superior sent someone to meet Fr. Aparicio, and the other expected religious, at the Valencia Train Station, while at the house preparations for a very special reception were underway. Since they were the first religious Tertiary Capuchins to arrive from abroad, Father founder wanted a grand welcome for them. His dream was to see the Italian religious before his death. And so, on this special occasion, Father Founder wore the ecclesiastical vestments and the episcopal ring. (Fattizzo, p. 295)

Although Father Founder was already quite old at the time the congregation in Italy was founded, he still wrote many beautiful letters, fourteen in all, in which he showed his special interest in the progress of the Congregation in Italy, for the glory of God.

BUILDERS OF A NEW WORLD

“You will be my witness.” (Acts 1:8)

The year 1928, precisely one year since the foundation in Italy, marked the turning point for Latin America.

The fame of the Congregation was already known across the oceans, and various invitations were received from countries all over the world.

The first came from Monsignor Manuel Camargo of Bogota, Colombia. Monsignor Camargo had already constructed the Shelter of San Antonio de Padua which housed many of the city’s needy children.

In 1928, Father Pedro de la Iglesia, and Father Arturo Dominguez traveled to Colombia to pave way for the future Province of San Jose. Thereafter, many religious from Spain and Italy went to that distant land to search for the lost sheep and bring them back to the fold of the Good Shepherd. With their wisdom, virtue, and courage, they prepared the foundation for the Congregation in Colombia. These were, in the progress and development of the congregation, nothing less than milestones.

The same way be said about the Congregation’s progress in Argentina. Father Founder was still living, but in very poor health when Fr. Pedro de la Iglesia and Bro. Joaquin Bernus arrived in Tucuman, the very heart of Argentina. Here too, the religious conquered the hearts and respect of the people and the authorities, but not without difficulty, not without having to surmount various obstacles that tested their courage and their spirit of faith.

Despite all they had endured, one trial yet to come would show conclusively that by their extraordinary spiritual sacrifice – their martyrdom –  the religious were doing the work of God.

The Servant of God (now a Venerable) was chosen for a very special mission which he passed on and entrusted to his religious family. They were consecrated to God, dedicated to serving those who were discriminated against. The fruit of their work shone with the luster of a peart of the finest quality.

Later, Father Miguel Cabañas, the new Director, wrote:

               Nothing was lacking on the part of the Direction to improve both the material and spiritual appearance of the young men . . . In fact, many of the young men found their re-entry into society much easier as a consequence of the guidance they had received; some of the more deeply rooted, deviant behavioral traits were disappearing, and many young men for the first time willingly received the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, and the Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation. (Fattizzo, p. 314)

There was a pause in the Congregation’s wonderful progress with the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) and the Second World War (1939-45).

Just as the Tertiary Capuchin Sisters suffered the bitter scourge of the times, so did the Brothers. Approximately, thirty Tertiary Capuchins were martyred. They died gloriously for Christ. It would be appropriate to describe the Congregation as having baptized in blood, the blood of martyrs that nurtured new Christians, from which the Congregation was born again after the dark period with such vigor that its branches are today found in at many countries: Spain, Italy, Germany, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Chile, Panama, Nicaragua, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Philippine Islands.

The Tertiary Capuchins, at the beginning of their second centennial (1989) continue to work everywhere with a new and splendid ardor to save delinquent youths, following Jesus who said: “. . . It is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.” (Matthew 18:14)

TOWARDS THE SUNSET

               “Those who are faithful will live with Him in love, for grace and mercy await those He has chosen.” (Wisdom 3:9)

The two Congregations of the Tertiary Capuchin Brothers and Sisters had already settled in Italy and South America, and Father founder was very happy, eager to sing the canticle of Simeon: “Now you can let your servant go in peace.” (Luke 2:29)

The days passed quickly and the Father Founder’s health was failing. At the end of September 1934, his condition worsened so much so that the religious knew their founder was near to death.

Father Founder’s serenity as death approached was quite commendable and befitting the beautiful life he had led; for how could one who had been so faithful, one who had been so willing to give his life at any time for the Lord, and one who had saved many a lost sheep, fear death.

Holy Death

So, like the setting sun, slowly, serenely, Father Founder left his children to be with his Lord and Master.

Father Luis was a man who knew how to live in the image of Christ; he knew how to bring Him to all as a Redeemer; he knew how to be a good and merciful shepherd, saving thousands of lost sheep.

He was a man who knew how to live by the Gospel; he knew how to follow the teachings of Jesus; he knew how to give love to all, particularly to the poor, the prisoner, the abandoned, the outcast, and those who suffered any form discrimination.

With his religious Brothers and sisters at his bedside, the solemn moment arrived. On October 1, 1934, at dawn, Father Luis Amigo – a new St. Francis de Assisi – gave his beautiful soul to God. (Fattizzo, p. 95)

The moment of Father Founder’s death was one of intense emotion. The loss of so great a Father, of course, caused deep sorrow; yet, there was consolation in the certainty that the merciful Lord received in His gentle hands the worthy soul of His faithful servant.

Strong Legacy of Love

Such was the life of Father Luis Amigo. He had always loved the Lord, and when he reached adulthood he followed the examples of Christ, serving the people who experienced all manners of human degradation and suffering. He sought to ease the loneliness, despair, and hunger of the orphan, the prisoner, and the needy; he sought to lighten the burden of whoever was in need of him. He neglected neither their material nor their spiritual needs. With deep humility and love, and with great sacrifice, he labored to fill the hollow of stomachs and the emptiness of souls.

Luis Amigo lived by the Gospel and practiced the law of love that Jesus asks of us all through His teachings.

To his sons and daughters who are still struggling to gather strays back to the fold in especially trying times, Father Founder appears like an exquisite luminary whose radiance extends across the ocean’s broad expanse to light the whole world for the many in need of reconciliation with the Redeemer. This guiding light, his strong legacy of love, exists for the salvation of many:

• By inspiring the compassionate to do all that is possible to alleviate human suffering; and
• By bringing hope to those who have none.

TOWARDS THE ALTAR

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am so that they may always see the glory you have given me…” (John 17:24)

The Church, like Jesus, desires the salvation of all men and does not ignore any valid means by which this objective may be achieved. Bringing to light the lives and virtues of the Saints inspires and invites us to imitate their holy lives. The interest of the Church in Father Luis is directed towards his great spiritual legacy. The wealth of this legacy was meant to be shared by all; it was not meant to be hidden in the Archives.

Everything about Father Luis, during his life as well as after his death, speaks to us of his holiness.

The compelling interest of the Church and that of his two religious families in Father Luis suggests what, at first, seemed to be only the voice of the people, but later appeared also as the voice of God, calling for the beatification of Father Luis Amigo.

In fact, as early as ten years after Father Luis’ passing, in 1944, Father Sebastiano Fattizzo, Tertiary Capuchin, and author of Fray Luis de Masamagrell, OFM Capuchino: Su Vida, Semblanza y Obra, formally requested the highest superiors of the congregation to introduce the Cause of Beatification.

Father Fattizzo made the same request to Father Jose Oltra Vidal, General Superior of the Tertiary Capuchins of the fiftieth anniversary of the passing of Father Luis.

Father Fattizzo stated:

               I remember that I was the first to write in 1944 to Father Ildefonso de Vall-Uxo, General Superior, and his Council, inviting them to institute the appropriate preliminary action for the Cause for Beatification of Father Luis. As a result of that letter, they asked the Archbishop of Valencia to consider the proposition as soon as possible, which was precisely what happened.

               The Archbishop was delighted to receive all that had been stated and s proceeded with the preliminary steps for the Cause. (Fattizzo, 1985)

The religious of the two congregations were very happy, indeed, with the initiative taken in the Cause for Beatification of Father Luis because it signified that their Father and Founder was not only a great model but, above all, “. . . a model religious who lived the spirit of the beatitudes and the parable of mercy by his consecration to the service of maladjusted youths and the poor. (Alcalde, 1982)

In 1944, however, Europe was involved in the Second World War, and it was quite impossible to continue with the beatification process until conditions would permit.

Finally, some years after the war, when life had returned to normal, Father Mariano Ramo was appointed Vice postulator for the Cause of the Beatification in Spain on October 18, 1949.

On January 18, 1950, the Diocesan Process was initiated in Valencia. In 1952, the conclusions drawn from the examination of the evidence of Father Luis’ holiness were sent to Rome, the Sacred Congregation for the Cause of the Saints.

The lengthy, necessary formalities for the Cause were started in Rome in the same year, and were concluded on July 7, 1977 with the signature of the Holy Father, Pope Paul VI, affixed to the decree of Introduction for the Cause of the Servant of God.

On October 6, 1979, the Apostolic Process was carefully complied into two precious volumes and presented by the new Vice postulator, Father Agripino Gonzales Alcalde, to the Sacred Congregation for the Cause of the Saints in Rome.

Since then, a flood of postulatory letters from bishops and Episcopal Conferences around the world have been sent to the Holy Father. In addition, Catholic organizations and the faithful, in general, convinced of the extraordinary holiness of the Servant of God, continue to write letters to the Holy Father, humbly requesting the beatification of Father Luis.

Monsignor Loris Capovilla (1983), Bishop of Loreto, Italy, and former Secretary to Pope John XXIII, was the first Bishop to request the beatification of Father Luis. In writing to the Holy Father on January 24, 1983 on the subject of the beatification, he noted some of the many merits of Father Luis:

               Imbued with evangelical and Franciscan spirit, appointed General Preacher of the Capuchin Order, he proved to be a suitable instrument to impart, through the two religious families he founded, a new style to the catechetical system in Spain and spread its benefits even to the extreme ends of the earth.

Monsignor Loris added:

               Elevated to episcopal dignity by St. Piux X, he served in the image of the Shepherd, so well-defined by St. John in Chapter 10 of the Gospel.

In his concluding remarks, Monsignor Loris pleaded:

               I, Bishop of the Holy Church of God, ask Your Holiness to approve the implementation of the Canonical Process that will break the silence of the tomb and light the torch for all to see the renown that so gripping a memory brings to the Catholic Church.

Awaiting the Great Day

The beatification of the Father Luis Amigo is desired by a large part of the Church hierarchy as well as the laity. We look to God to satisfy this desire as soon as possible.

The Sons and Daughters of the Father Luis eagerly await the great day of his beatification for the glory of God and the salvation of those who need Father Luis’ example, his light, to find their way to the Father.