Narrated by Jim Morlino, Navis Pictures

Fr. Javier del Castillo, Vicar General of Opus Dei, was sentfrom Rome by the Prelate of Opus Dei to give comfort and be close to the family and friends of Matt Schoenecker, and to personally bring the affection, condolences, and prayers of Prelate for the family and friends of Matt.

Before moving to Rome this summer, Fr. Javier delCastillo had been the Vicar of Opus Dei in the United States and Canada. Matt Schoenecker worked closely with him as he served on the Council of the Vicar in New York City.

Three beautiful eulogies were given prior to the Funeral Mass for Matt Schoenecker. The first one started already in progress. The third one was given by Matt's brother who has a disability.

St. Josemaría prays the Angelus in Latin

Funeral Homily for Matt Schoenecker

by Fr. Mark Mannion

July 18, 2025

St. Margaret Mary Parish, Milwaukee, WI

This meditation (guided prayer) was given on the feast ofOur Lady of Guadalupe, the 12th of December in the year of the Lord 2020. A few days earlier, Pope Francis declared that the year of 2020 would be dedicated to Saint Joseph.

Fr. Joe Babendreier reads a story titled “ChristmasTonight.” In this story, he tries to catch a glimpse of the mystery Saint John Paul II examined in the document Redemptoris Custos, Guardian of the Redeemer.

That document was published on August 15th, 1985. It declares the Church's teaching on the marriage of Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary, how they came to be husband and wife.

And it also describes how Saint Joseph became a father toJesus because of that marriage. The story Fr. Joe reads speaks of the night when Jesus was born.

It contains a lengthy flashback where the Virgin Maryrecalls the events that led to her marriage with St. Joseph and their journey to Bethlehem.