Painting by Goyo celebrates 100 years since the birth of Br. Basilio Rueda

On the centenary of the birth of Br. Basilio Rueda, on October 16, the Marists of Mexico have presented a painting to pay tribute to the Servant of God, who was born in Acatlán de Juárez, Mexico, on October 16, 1924.

The work, created by the painter Gregorio Domínguez González (Goyo), depicts in depth the most outstanding aspects of the life and legacy of Brother Basilio Rueda. The painting reflects the greatness of the life of a man who marked the history of the Marist Brothers, and through each brushstroke one can discover the prophetic and charismatic leadership of Brother Basilio:

• His tireless following of Jesus and his intense life of faith and spirituality.
• His openness to the signs of the times, always attentive to the voice of the Spirit.
• His selfless dedication to his brothers and his universal fraternity.
• His call to return to the congregational sources, looking at the present with Marcellin’s vision and heart.
• His projection as a world-wide educational leader, with a deep love for children and young people.
• His deep devotion to Mary, our Good Mother.
• His doctrinal richness shared through his circulars.
• His enthusiasm for the missions, fostering the missionary spirit in the Congregation.
• His significant contribution to the Aggiornamento of the Marist Brothers’ Congregation and religious life, helping to “bring forth the dawn”.

The Marist Provinces of México Occidental and México Central  have published on their web pages different resources and articles to pay tribute to their universal brother.

The region of South America has also created a web page to compile material on Brother Basilio:

More information about Brother Basilio, Superior of the Institute from 1967 to 1985 can be found at this link.

A guide for individual prayer with the painting of Br Basilio

PDF: English | Español | Français | Português

As you begin your time of prayer

• Take some time to open your heart and mind to God
• Invite God to be your guide
• And to speak to you through the image

When you are ready, focus on the picture, reading it

• Take time to gaze at the entire picture
• Notice the colours and shapes, what is highlighted, what is background
• Notice the different facets of Basilio’s life – writer, man of prayer, man of relationships, attentive to his sick brothers…
• Notice his influences and sources of inspiration
• What feelings arise in you?
• Internally, name what you are seeing and feeling

Close your eyes

• Revisit the picture, this time in your inner imagination
• Are you drawn to one part of the image? 
• Believe that God is directing your gaze

Open your eyes once more and focus on that part of the image you were drawn to

• Does it evoke thoughts, memories, emotions?
• What is God whispering in your heart?
• What message is there for you? A call? An invitation?

How do you wish to respond?

• Have a conversation with God about the words, emotions, questions, and thoughts that are in your heart.

Thanksgiving Close your time of prayer in a spirit of gratitude – for what God has spoken to you in this time of prayer, for the response he is calling you to, for the life and inspiration of Br Basilio.