Bishop Álvaro Chordi reflects on 11 years as missionary

Bishop Álvaro Chordi, an auxiliary bishop in Santiago, shared a reflection on his eleven years of missionary work in Chile. Marking the centennial of World Mission Sunday, Chordi described his journey from arriving as a priest in 2015 to his current role in the local Church.

He noted that his spiritual approach is influenced by the spirituality of Saint Charles de Foucauld, which emphasizes finding Jesus through a simple and hidden life shared with local people. Chordi stated that his appointment as auxiliary bishop four years ago was not an advancement, but a call to deepen his connection to the people of Santiago.

His pastoral work has taken him through various areas of the capital, including La Legua and the Franklin neighborhood. Chordi emphasized that authentic mission requires being close to working-class sectors, listening to victims, and maintaining a faith committed to justice.