The SSCC communities of Valparaíso gathered on Thursday, September 3, in the sisters' school chapel on Álvarez Street, Viña del Mar, to celebrate the 112th birthday of Father Esteban Gumucio with a Eucharist filled with memory, song, and poetry.
Brother Pedro León sscc presided, together with brothers Miguel Ángel Concha, Rodrigo Quiroz, and Nelson Rivera sscc. Representatives from the region's SSCC schools took part —Monjas Francesas, Liceo Nuestra Señora de la Paz, Padres Franceses de Viña del Mar, and San Damián de Molokai— along with delegations from the Sacred Hearts Church of the port, the Patronato, the Marriage Encounter movement, the SSCC Secular Branch, and the National Commission for Father Esteban's Cause.
In his homily, Father Concha linked the Gospel passage of the calling in Galilee to Father Esteban's figure as a sensitive poet and missionary, inviting young people in particular to live with trust and surrender in the Holy Spirit.
The offerings —work tools, bread, wine, and a basket of food— symbolized the community's spirit, also expressed in a thanksgiving prayer that honored Tata Esteban's legacy in the Marriage Encounter movement and his closeness to the elderly.
Directors Carlos Celedón and Luis Reyes highlighted the four months of preparation behind the event. The gathering, accompanied by Father Esteban's own songs and a choir of 12 parents and teachers, closed with "Happy Birthday" and a cake shared among all who attended.
Father Nelson Rivera also announced a forum on October 3 on the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, with talks by Alberto Toutin and Sergio Silva.
09/05/2026