Father José Luis Maroto, LC, is the chaplain of Cumbres School Valencia. He was born in Madrid 60 years ago and studied with the Marist Brothers: “There was a year when the school chaplains were Legionaries of Christ. That’s where it all began,” he recounts in an interview conducted by the Spain communication office. Among his apostolic destinations, besides schools and adult sections of Regnum Christi, there is also a long period as a parish priest in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the Santa María de Betania Parish. Father Maroto tells us that “we live in a very changing world that is hard for us to understand, so we must always seek new ways in evangelization: that is part of the challenge of pastoral work in schools.” Therefore, it is not surprising that he has launched apostolates such as “Damas del Altar,” retreats and activities for teachers and staff of the school, spiritual exercises for 4th-year ESO students prior to Confirmation… Let’s get to know Father Maroto, a Legionary of Christ priest.
In recent years, he has been a school chaplain. What does his work, his mission, consist of?
As a chaplain, I try to bring people closer to God, mainly students, but not only. At this point, sacramental work is very important: mainly celebrating the Eucharist and confessions. Preaching also has an important place. Here, retreats and gatherings could be included. Personal contact offers many opportunities to go out with the Lord to help, in depth, a single person.
Could he be defined as a kind of ‘spiritual father of the school’?
Yes. When we call a priest “Father,” we are saying something full of meaning. We have a spiritual paternity with many people, not only those I have contact with now. In my priestly life, I have met many people I have been able to help and with whom I feel connected.
What comes first: evangelize or teach? What is the evangelizing goal of a Regnum Christi school?
When parents want their children to study at a Regnum Christi school, they want a certain formation for them (among other things, an academic education). That’s what schools are for! But “teaching” does not oppose “evangelizing.” Evangelization must permeate our work in the school. When it is achieved, I am convinced that better results are obtained in the other dimensions of the person.
What needs does each student stage have?
I work with primary and secondary. Each stage has its own characteristics. You have to adapt to the age and psychology of the student. But in each stage, objectives must be set in various areas: spiritual life (prayer, sacraments…), doctrinal formation (what content the student should know), apostolate (what they can do to transmit God’s love to others). But we must not lose sight of the fact that we are trying to meet the specific student. That’s why personal contact is so important.
Do you work in ECYD?
Yes. The ECYD is a great help for these students to live their Christian life. Later, they can join the youth groups of Regnum Christi. Even when they stop being students of the Regnum Christi educational work, they can find a clear and simple path to live their Christian life.
There is also a very interesting relationship with parents. How is your work with them?
Where I have been able to do more work with them has been in some activities especially for them. For example, activities with parents and confirmation sponsors or first communion parents. Many school activities (training talks, community activities…) are good opportunities to get to know each other, find out what they need, what we can offer… We also invite them to participate in the specific life of Regnum Christi. And it is important to highlight how much they appreciate what you do for their children. They value it very much.
An example is also with the teaching staff. You are going to organize a gathering of Cumbres School trainers in July. What will it consist of?
As a school chaplain, I work for everyone involved: students, teachers, administrative staff… Trainers also have a very important role: they not only transmit knowledge but also values. A good trainer leaves a deep mark on their students. They can also give an evangelizing approach to their work. For this reason, they need support and help. If a gathering helps students in their Christian life, why not organize one for trainers too? On this occasion, we will have moments of community, moments of prayer. Some conferences and activities will focus on essential aspects: how to pray, how I can improve my life as a Christian…
There is also an extracurricular activity called Damas del Altar. What does it consist of?
It is the equivalent of Knights of the Altar for girls. We provide spiritual and liturgical formation to the girls. We also accompany them with some recreational activities (games, crafts…)… and teach them the parts of the Mass, how to serve as acolytes… I see how group Masses are helped when girls serve as acolytes. It also helps the girls participating in this apostolate.
Does all this pastoral work change the heart of the school? And that of the students and the rest of the school community?
Without a doubt. It is up to us to do our part, and God is the one who blesses. Besides, we must thank God because many fruits can be seen (even though there is always much to do).
What difficulties do you encounter at this point?
The parable of the sower is very eloquent. No matter how suitable the environment is, and how much you put your best effort… not all results will always be as desired. Sometimes we say that the environment weighs heavily on young people, but not only on them. Also, we face our fragility, weakness, sin… which make us not always respond trusting in God. What can we do? Well, like the sower, sow generously. That is definitely within our reach.
Are you always thinking of something new and different to do at the school?
That is part of the challenge. You don’t always hit the right key. We live in a very changing world that is hard for us to understand. That’s why we must always seek new ways. I believe the Church has been an example of how it has adapted to historical circumstances, to different countries…
Do you do all this work alone, or do you have a pastoral team?
Undoubtedly, it is a team effort. The pastoral team is led by the school director, who emphasizes the importance of this mission. The team includes formation instructors, coordinators, teachers… It would be a mistake to think that this work is only the responsibility of the pastoral team. The more everyone involved in the school joins in, the more this program comes to life.
What is the prayer life of a school chaplain like?
I have my moments of prayer throughout the day (morning prayers, meditation, breviary, rosary…) The Mass holds a central place. I can also say that in my prayers, the people entrusted to me by God (and currently, many are those God has placed in the school) have a very important place.
