The New Song in Focus speaks with Maria Nazareth, the mother of Guido Schaffer, a young doctor, surfer and seminarian, whose beatification process will be officially opened in May this year.
“His love for God and His people is one that leads me to think that he was a holy creature,” says Nazareth. She recalls that, in the life of Guido, from the time he was small, there was always a guiding principle: the desire to save. As a child wanted to be a he lifeguard, afterwards a doctor, and later priest. “He understood that salvation was necessary for the soul before the body.”
The young man, who already has a reputation for holiness, led a normal life. According to his mother, he was a child who liked to play sports, going to the beach and school. She recalls that Guido was aware of his duties. He dated, traveled, graduated in medicine and was with the wedding date practically reserved, when he felt his calling was more than being a doctor and a person dedicated to the brothers.
“The Lord called him into deeper waters, to a life of greater commitment to Christ, and then he ended up, to follow into the priesthood.”
When he died in May 2009, aged 34, he was a senior seminarian. Guido was the victim of an injury in the neck that left him unconcious, he drowned while surfing on the beach of Barra da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro.
Young people close to him testify that he took advantage of opportunities to evangelize, both among the young as practicing medicine. “Took advantage while surfing to speak about Jesus to his colleagues. He has led many to the Church, “says his mother.
As a doctor acted in charity. “We have reports of inexplicable healings, conversions, of homeless people who decided to fight against the vices,” says their official web site: guidoschaffer.com.br .
His mother recalls that the funeral was of great consolation. Presided by Archbishop Orani João Tempesta and the auxiliary bishops of Rio de Janeiro, it brought together over 1,700 people. “I think from that Mass people started to seek more information about him from him and to talk, pray, ask thanks and reach thanks.”
To Nazareth, her son’s life is an example that holiness is possible today. “He leaves this message to young people: love God, seek God, in Him is the answer to everything.”
On the pain of loss she says it is very large, and that pain and longing will accompany her always; but at the same time, she highlights the consolation of knowing that his life has helped so many people. “He [Guido] is with us in the communion of saints. I am absolutely certain that one day we will be together for all eternity praising our God. “
In the interview, Nazareth accounted testimonies of people who have changed their lives with the help of Guido, talking about his apostolate, the circumstances of his death and explaining how the education given by her and her husband contributed to the growth of their son.