RSS-Feed FAQ: Frecuently Asked Questions around 2014
It's still almost five years until 2014, but we are already receiving all kinds of questions, especially in regard to logistics. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found on this page.
If after reviewing this constantly updated information, your questions about Celebration 2014 are still not answered, do not hesitate to send an email to: 2014@schoenstatt.de
General topics
When does the preparation for the Schoenstatt centennial begin?
It has already begun. In February 2009, there was a conference with representatives from thirty-three countries. This conference defined when and how 2014 would be celebrated, and how the preparation would be developed. The results and decisions are found in Message 2014, which was approved by the General Presidency of the Schoenstatt Work.
Where can Message 2014 and other information be found?
On this page: Message - Conference 2014 - Pilgrimage of the Father Symbol.
When and where will this great international celebration take place?
It will take place on October 18, 2014 at Schoenstatt and then in Rome; it will be like a pilgrimage. The main celebrations, in Schoenstatt and in Rome, organized by Committee 2014, will last about one week.
Will there be limited space for the countries?
No. Everyone can come. There is lodging available for more than 50,000 people at hotels ranging in different prices within one hour of Schoenstatt by bus.
About the organization for trips
We want to go to Schoenstatt in 2014, and we would like to learn about Schoenstatt, what date is better for group travel in 2014?
The large pilgrimage for the International Family for the Schoenstatt Centennial Celebration and the common celebration at a level never before experienced will be October 18, 2014.
Message 2014 says:
"It was clearly evident from the various countries' contribution that the MTA is inviting us to go on pilgrimage to the original shrine on 18 October 2014. All are welcome to participate in this pilgrimage. The place and time hold sacramental value for us. We hope to have a world-wide live link to the celebration held at our place of origin. In this way, the current of graces radiating from the original shrine and the extensive fruitfulness returning to the original Schoenstatt after 100 years will be fully expressed.
Another dimension of the jubilee celebration is Rome. Together with our father we congregate at the heart of the Church to renew our commitment to it and highlight our missionary nature. As a gift we bring the fruit of our shrines and our apostolic projects and ask the Holy Father to commission us.
In this way, we take up our founder's wish, expressed at the shrine in Belmonte: omnia matri ecclesiae."
Because of the character of this celebration, and the number of pilgrims - about 25,000 or more- this will be different from the usual pilgrimages over the years. The entire year of 2014 is a time of grace and of pilgrimage. Travel to Schoenstatt can also be on another date of the year for a usual pilgrimage; however, Committee 2014 will not be preparing pilgrimages on other dates, and there will be no extra celebrations.
Who do we contact to arrange lodging for a group during 2014?
All the necessary information for participating in the large pilgrimage for the celebration of the Covenant of Love Centennial (Schoenstatt and Rome) will be announced within plenty of time at this website, by Team 2014 communications, and this information will also be available in your countries.
For other dates during the year, you may contact the usual institutions.
Can we book Sonnenau already now for 2014?
You may stay in the Schoenstatt Houses as always throughout the year except for the two weeks before and after October 18th, 2014. Make your reservations directly or via the International Secretariat for Pilgrims.
For the large celebration of October 18th, everyone can find lodging at the most within one hour's distance from Schoenstatt. The information for making reservations at these hotels (as well as at the Schoenstatt Houses, if there is room after lodging the collaborators, volunteers, and special guests) will be announced with plenty of time on this website, through communications from Committee 2014 and from your country.
About the program
What programs will take place in the months, the week before, and the week after 10-18-2014?
The main celebration has two parts - one at the Original Shrine, in Germany, and one in Rome.
Message 2014 states:
"It was clearly evident from the various countries' contribution that the MTA is inviting us to go on pilgrimage to the original shrine on 18 October 2014. All are welcome to participate in this pilgrimage. The place and time hold sacramental value for us. We hope to have a world-wide live link to the celebration held at our place of origin. In this way, the current of graces radiating from the original shrine and the extensive fruitfulness returning to the original Schoenstatt after 100 years will be fully expressed.
Another dimension of the jubilee celebration is Rome. Together with our father we congregate at the heart of the Church to renew our commitment to it and highlight our missionary nature. As a gift we bring the fruit of our shrines and our apostolic projects and ask the Holy Father to commission us.
In this way, we take up our founder's wish, expressed at the shrine in Belmonte: omnia matri ecclesiae."
Details will be announced when the program is set.
There will probably be a pre-program for everyone a few days before October 18th. After October 18th, everyone will go together on pilgrimage from Schoenstatt to Rome, and there will be those who could not be in Schoenstatt who will go directly to Rome.
There will not be any special program in Schoenstatt when all the Family is in Rome.
The entire year of 2014 is a year of grace and of pilgrimage. Pilgrimages during the months before the celebration should be organized in the usual manner. There are no special programs or offerings from Committee 2014 for these pilgrimages.
Will there be guides at the different places?
Something will likely be offered at key places such as Dachau and Gymnich, and for a program of spiritual preparation in Schoenstatt. Detailed information will be announced when the program is set.
When will we have an estimate of the cost?
Price for flights must be arranged personally, the cost for lodging and transportation will depend on the economic development in Germany and Italy. Reservations at hotels in various price ranges will probably be offered at both sites of the massive celebrations. Payment will be needed for the expenses of the preparations: for the event, transmission, etc.
Exact costs cannot be given yet.
How will transportation be handled within Schoenstatt?
We have already contacted the area police to set up a transportation plan from the hotels; the same thing will have to be done in Rome. At Schoenstatt, walking will be the primary mode of travel because of the number of pilgrims. On October 18, 2014, it will be impossible to reach the holy places by automobile. We will try to provide for handicapped people who cannot walk.
Will we be able to carry out a ceremony with our Branch during the noon break?
That depends. On October 18th, 25,000 or more will gather for a large pilgrimage at the Original Shrine. It might be better to schedule Branch ceremonies on another date.
