What began as a community excursion ended in tragedy when three members of Opus Dei died drowned in the Rattlesnake cataracts, in Soda Springs, California.
Two of them lost their lives when they threw themselves into the water in a desperate attempt to save their friend Valentino “Val” Creus, in an act of heroism that, according to those who knew them, reflected the generosity and delivery they lived every day.
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Moments before, the 59 -year -old man had launched from a projection with the picturesque waterfall, in the middle of the nature of Northern California, to take a dip. Now, immersed in frost waters about six meters under them, he fought for his life.
Matt Schoenecker did not hesitate. Cycling and climbing fan, and also an expert in nailed from high platforms, this 50 -year -old man and leader of the outdoor excursion ran to the same projection and threw himself into the water after Creus. Shortly after, another group member, Matt Anthony, 44, did the same.
Tragically, the three men – who were known members of Opus Dei – lost their lives that afternoon.
The tragic triple drowning of June 18 was national news. But the friends of these loved men see more than an earthly tragedy. Some consider that their deaths represent an event that changed their lives, with a deep religious dimension.
“All of them were like my brothers,” said JL Marti, a chemical engineer and also a member of Opus Dei, to the National Catholic Register. Each of them had dedicated their lives to love God and serve others, he said.
“Our Lord has taken three of Opus Dei’s best men. I don’t know why, but that has happened,” Marti said. “Reflecting on their lives, he added:” We all want to be like them were. “
Who were they?
The three men were numbers – the celibate that, usually live in Opus Dei centers, many of them located near known university campus. The numbers usually have a normal job or work for Opus Dei. In their free time, in addition to praying, students are expected to guide or carry out charity works.
Opus Dei, which means “work of God” in Latin, was founded in 1928 by St. Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975), with the purpose of helping laity-people who are not priests, deacons, religious or religious-to achieve holiness through their ordinary work.
The three men who died in the waterfall were outstanding people.
Matt Anthony, former notre Dame originally from St. Louis, studied classic at the postgraduate school and held a leadership position in Opus Dei, being number two in the supervision of the apostolic activities of men in the United States and Canada.
Matt Schoenecker, originally from Milwaukee, had a doctorate in biomedical engineering and contributed to improve cochlear implants for people with auditory problems before joining the leadership of Opus Dei.
Valentino Creus, born and raised in the Philippines, was a partner in an accounting firm in Los Angeles.
But more than their achievements, friends and acquaintances highlighted their personalities, their faith in God and the ways in which they served others.
Fr. Joseph Keefe, priest of Opus Dei who met Anthony 25 years ago and lived with him in New York, said Anthony was a working man, but also enjoyed spending time with friends, smoking cigarettes and talking about sports and history.
“He was one of the smartest people I met, but also very simple and friendly. He had special leadership qualities: he knew how to inspire people and, therefore, he was entrusted with many responsibilities within Opus Dei,” said Fr. Keefe by email.
Although Anthony was always busy, he focused completely on the person in front of him.
“It was noted that, when you were with him, at that time you were the most important person in the world,” said Father Luke Mata, priest of Opus Dei in Los Angeles.
Schoenecker directed a mentoring program for high school students and a summer camp for children, while he was director of an Opus Dei center in Los Angeles for 14 years, before moving to New York last year. Marti told the Register that a high school student recently recalled that Schoenecker always kept calm, regardless of how the boys behaved.
“He had an affable and simple, very accessible character, always with his perennial smile and his contagious sense of humor. He had an explosive laugh. He always had a joke at the tip of his tongue. He seemed to always be about to tell one,” said Fr. Keefe.
Val Creus was outgoing, full of jokes and always cheerful. He liked to connect people and always had time to help.
His younger sister, Lourdes Creus, 49, described him as a coach of life. Among the many tips you used to give: go to confess once a week and take your daughters with you. “You never know when God is going to call you,” he used to say.
Basketball companions nicknamed Creus, which measured approximately 1.63 meters, “the flying squirrel.”
“It was a beast on the court, very fast,” said George Cassar, 60, who lived with him in Opus Dei centers during most of the last 38 years.
In everything he did – including guiding university students and offering spiritual direction to married men in Opus Dei – Val was completely delivered.
“When he decides to love, he loves fury,” Lourdes said.
Matt Meeks, 42, who lives in southern Minnesota and met Creus in Los Angeles about 15 years ago, said he depended a lot on Val and spoke frequently on the phone.
“He was a deeply spiritual man, but he always kept light things, and suddenly, without waiting, he released a deep wisdom. He was a fun guy, and just when you needed it, he gave you the best advice,” said Meeks, who runs Catholic Ventures, creators of Tiny Saints.
Fr. Mata said that Matt Schoenecker, Matt Anthony and Val Creus personify the institution.
“They were the most normal people in the world. And yet, the way they died – two of them trying to save the life of the other – was heroic. And, for them, that was normal. I think it is a gift that God is giving their families and the Church,” he said.
“Holiness is very ordinary. And yet, sometimes God puts it under the reflector so that it can be seen,” he concluded.
Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in National Catholic Register.
Matthew McDonald
Matt McDonald is the journalist of the Catholic National Catholic and publisher of the New Boston Post.