‘A family whose members love one another just like the family at Nazareth”… This is the first line of the hymn of our Association, sung in Spanish-speaking countries.
As I recall this line, I think of another family, that of a lay associate of the Holy Family in Paraguay, who has just left us to return to the Father and to “prepare a place for us”, for each member of the Holy Family of Bordeaux.
Don Eduardo Mareco, was a carpenter by profession; he was, as one of the apostolic sisters put it “our Saint Joseph”.
This simple man was kindly and joyful; he was one of the first lay associates in Paraguay. He spread joy wherever he went and there was always a kind word and a joke on his lips.
Fourteen years ago he had a brain haemorrhage which confined him to bed for the rest of his days. He was unable to care for himself and was dependent on others to look after his needs.
In spite of the consequences of this illness, he never lost his sense of humour and was always smiling and welcoming to those who came to visit him.
He belonged to the lay associate group; his wife and children did not. But during his long illness his profound spiritual life had a great influence on them
They were a united, loving family and this was manifested in every detail, every caress, every mouthful of food that they gave him and in all the care they lavished on his body so that he never suffered the consequences of having to lie in bed for so many years. On the day of his death, one of his daughters said to me: “He became our child” and in all the time that they cared for him, they never betrayed the least sign of fatigue. On the contrary, they surrounded him with affection and this love was almost tangible.
When we visited him, he was overjoyed at our presence; many times he prayed with us. He always asked about the Sisters especially those he knew well. He asked especially for Sister Gloria and Genevieve and his eyes lit up when he heard that they were coming on a visit to Paraguay and he would send them greetings.
What struck me was the image of our Good Father which he had near his bed. On one occasion his wife commented that once she forgot to place the image back near his bed. As soon as he realised that it was missing, he asked about it. This showed that Pierre Bienvenu Noailles always accompanied him and that Don Mareco prayed often for his intercession. Our faith tells us that they have surely met in Heaven and that they both continue to intercede in a very special way for all the members of the Association of the Holy Family of Bordeaux.
Mirtha Fleitas (Paraguay)
We wish to tell you about our brother Edward Mareco: he was a friend and an exemplary husband and father.
As a lay associate, he loved God and the Holy Family.
He was a carpenter, like Saint Joseph: a just man who lived out his vocation as a lay associate, participating in retreats, days of formation and in all the activities of the Association.
He showed his faith by deeds and he was an extraordinary joyful and attentive man.
It was just before he was due to celebrate his 70th birthday by having a celebration with his family and friends, that he fell ill.
God blessed him with a wonderful wife who fulfilled her marriage vows “in joys and sorrows, in sickness and in health, till death do us part”. Surely their marriage was inspired by Mary Jesus and Joseph.
When we visited him, he recognised us and prayed the rosary with us.
We are sure that the Lord welcomes him into his glory and that he shares the joys of Heavne with our dear Good Father.
Silvia de Ortiz y Reina de Ramírez
(Grupo de Campo Grande - Paraguay)
