As this month marks one year since the departure into eternity of the founder of the Heralds of the Gospel, Msgr. João Scognamiglio Clá Dias, we turn our gaze to that dawn of November 1st, experiencing two seemingly contradictory impressions.
On one hand, it seems like yesterday that we received the news that the fourteen years of the arduous calvary that began in 2010 with the cerebrovascular accident he suffered, and accepted with exemplary abandonment to the mysterious ways of Providence, were at an end. Providence, at last, was calling him to Himself.
Three days of blessed funerals rites followed, marked by the liturgical splendour proper to the ceremonies of the Holy Church for the occasion, by the serene nostalgia of a multitude of Heralds and associates who came from around the world for the final farewell, and by an unparalleled fraternal affection. It was the same affection that Msgr. João had always poured out upon his children, and this was now manifesting itself in a different way; purer, more intense, and entirely supernatural. In this new phase, a new relationship was inaugurated, both between master and disciples, as well as among brethren in the vocation.
On the other hand, a year has passed, but it seems as though decades have passed, both due to the cascade of events that marked these twelve months and the immense progress of a work that, amid countless struggles, continues to grow throughout the world, making fidelity to the spirit of its founder its precept.
Both perspectives, however, harmonize under the gaze of faith. The physical absence of our beloved father ultimately highlighted the permanence of that same spirit which, embodied in realities as diverse as ways of being, forms of apostolate, buildings, and, above all, people, continued to animate the institution he created. What a contrast! While, through the vicissitudes of his final years, the visible presence of the founder was gradually withdrawn from his children, after his entry into eternity, Msgr. João resumed activity – and with superabundance and effectiveness – with his disciples, through the Communion of Saints.
It is no coincidence that the Book of Proverbs proclaims: “The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot” (Prv 10:7). Indeed, those who were unfaithful to God depart, as happened to King Jehoram, “with no one’s regret” (2 Chr 21:20), no matter how much the pomp of the world tries to artificially prolong their memory.
But men of faith are communicative even after leaving this earthly life, as Scripture affirms of Abel, who, even after death, still speaks (cf. Heb 11:4).
Thus, a year after that apparent separation, Msgr. João is more alive than ever, because he truly continues to speak to us. He communicates with us through his example, through his works, through his intercession – why not say so, respecting the infallible judgement of the Church? – and through his surprises…
Yes, our founder was always the “João of good surprises,” as Dr. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira affectionately called him, and these twelve months have only served to prove to us that, since his presence has become more spiritual, this characteristic has been enhanced.
What other unexpected gifts does Msgr. João still have in store for his children and for the world? We do not know.
We only believe there will be many, for if he so ardently sought the glory of God and the good of his neighbour during his earthly life, he will seek them even more in eternity, where there are no barriers to his actions that will allow him, even more, to be a blessed instrument for the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in hearts and in the world. ◊
