ARGENTINA, Ramón Sánchez Soloaga •
On 29 October to 1 November, the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement youths from Corrientes carried out the second consecutive “Talita Kum” Schoenstatt University Missions, in the area of Caá Cati, Province of Corrientes with the motto “Mary’s servants, trusting in your Mercy.” With the objective of traveling the streets of the town as instruments of Mary, more than fifty youths acted as her feet by taking her to those places where the heart guided them, visiting the elderly, children, the ill and sharing her with the entire community.
Where the missionaries are the ones missioned
The mission is an internal experience, where through a personal encounter with Jesus and Mary, the youths prepare their spirits to go out to encounter the community: the internal and external mission ends by uniting and being only one. In the search for love, they can listen to and be present for some days with people who need the Blessed Mother. In the encounter with others, they cease being missionaries and become “missioned”. God and Mary are at the center of that flow of feelings as the strength that gives life, real life.
During the mission, the youth had unforgettable experiences. When boys with special needs arrived at their school on Monday and found unknown people, using their tables, chairs, halls or the kitchen, they did not care. They cast out nets and the pure feeling of these boys allowed one thing– happiness –at singing, dancing, painting, laughing or crying. They went to the local resort, where the games continued always guided by the teachers. That morning remained sealed on their hearts.
May the seeds of the mission be fruitful
The workshops with youths, adults and children at the main square enlivened the feeling of community further; they prayed with the pastor through the Masses and rosaries. They visited homes with the Pilgrim Mother; they gave rosaries and pictures of the Blessed Mother. At the little school, they shared lunches, dinners, prayer time, music and silence with that community’s needy people.
As a fruit of this connection, the missionaries left a tree in the town, where they planted seeds that represent their lives with all they are, so the residents will care for and seek good land where it can grow. They prayed to Our Lady of the Rosary of Caá Cati that the seeds of Talita Kum 2016 be fruitful, and that she bless each heart that made this great mission possible so the apostolic spirit will renew life and prepare for a re-encounter very soon.
Original: Spanish. Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA. Edited: Melissa Peña-Janknegt, Elgin, TX USA
