We receive and share this release from the Franciscan Friars of Chile:
At 7am on January 8, 2024, at the Saint Francis of Assisi House of Welcome, our dear brother Br. Francisco Javier Mac-Mahón Argandoña, OFM, passed on to the home of the Father.
Br. Francisco Javier (Jacobo), son of Jacobo Mac-Mahón and of Luisa Argandoña, died at the age of 103, having celebrated 87 years of Franciscan life and 79 years of ministerial priesthood.
He was known to have had a profound love for God and for Franciscan spirituality. Even from a young age, his heart was stirred to desire “ad gentes” missionary work. Divine Providence led him to various roles of service in administration, animation, and on mission.
Within the Order, he had a variety of roles: Definitor General, Visitator General, Provincial Minister, Provincial Definitor (for a number of terms), Guardian of various fraternities, Formation Director at various levels of formation, Rector of the Antonianum in Rome, and Missionary to Morocco.
On the ecclesial level, he served as episcopal Vicar for Consecrated Life within the Archdiocese of Santiago, Parochial Vicar at various places, and President of the Conference.
In all these roles of service, Br. Francisco Javier distinguished himself through prudence, humility, dedication, and love for the Church. We thank the Lord who saw fit to gift our world with such a powerful witness to holy duty and service in these challenging times.
The viewing vigil will take place at Saint Francis’ Friary in Alameda. The requiem Mass and funeral will be celebrated Tuesday January 9, at 12pm at the same place.
We confidently entrust Br. Francisco Javier to the mercy of God, praying that he be gifted with the reward of the just.