COLOMBIA, Alida Becerra and Fanny Bravo •
During the National Gathering of Servants of the Bogotá, Colombia Schoenstatt Family held last August, the idea emerged to crown the Blessed Mother as Queen of the future shrine of Bogotá.
We set a goal of 4,000 prayers: “Let Us Walk Like You Through Life” and “Confidence Prayer.” The desire of our hearts is so great for Mary to reign and to help us open doors to build her kingdom in Colombia that we reached 30,000 prayers. The couples, mothers, and the children’s groups all made our capital of grace abundant for the Blessed Mother.
Finally, on Sunday, 6 November, upon seeing the needs as a Schoenstatt Family and as Colombians, we crowned the Blessed Mother so that she will establish herself as: “Queen of the Bogotá Shrine, Queen of Peace and Queen of the Real Family.”
Fr. Humberto Salgado, who traveled especially from Ecuador to accompany us, celebrated the Eucharist, which preceded the ceremony. St. Peter Clavier Church was filled to capacity, everyone had the same desire. It was a very solemn ceremony, in an atmosphere filled with joy, unity, and happiness among the Family Branch, Ladies, Campaign Missionaries and children’s groups: Mary’s Apostles and the Blessed Mother’s Squires.
Then in gratitude for establishing herself as Queen, the entire family offered the Blessed Mother a serenade because she really made us feel this way.
First a house…
The Blessed Mother who cannot be outdone in generosity, with her Son, our Lord, began to show us the way. First, we must strengthen ourselves as a community around the headquarters, a place where we can meet, train ourselves and celebrate together as a family. This was a concern for Sr. Pilar del Campo, the current adviser for Colombia.
We found a good house, located in a beautiful area of Bogotá, which has everything that we need at this time. It even has space to do more in the future…a Shrine! To cover the entire cost of the house, we had different fundraising events: gatherings, bazaars, sales, and raffles among other things. We hope to complete the rest and to open our own house this year! We are willing to place all our efforts and to touch the hearts of many to reach this goal.
Among the surprises that the Blessed Mother gave, there is a very special one – Sr. Amparo Villouta – who was sent by the Sisters of Mary to live in Colombia. She had already been our adviser, and now she is with us to accompany, and encourage the entire Family. Sr. Amparo has a degree in history, and we will surely benefit greatly from all her abilities and experience in education. Thanks to be to God, she was present at the Blessed Mother’s crowning.
A favorable Wind for Colombia
We want to thank God and the Blessed Mother for their great kindness and generosity. A favorable wind has arrived in Colombia, which we are all willing to take to start the flight. At last the time came to grow as a Family. With our presence and Fr. Kentenich’s teaching, surely Schoenstatt will be present to collaborate with peace, especially living and teaching others the joy experienced by families who follow the example of the Family of Nazareth.
A Happy Advent to the Schoenstatt Family everywhere! Merry Christmas to our colleagues and friends at www.schoenstatt.org. You do wonderful work!
Original: Spanish. Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA. Edited: Melissa Peña-Janknegt, Elgin, TX USA
Photo: Bogotá. Source: De Robert – https://www.flickr.com/photos/robertocontrer/16223032862, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37847661
