Schoenstatt – Reaching out Category

ITALY, Braulio Heisecke/Misión Roma • On Sunday, 28 June, we departed along with thirty other boys from Sani Patroni d’Italia parish, which is run by the Schoenstatt Fathers, to “Campo Estivo 2015” [Summer Camp 2015]; a camp that was organized by the parish youths ages 15-17. A camp for the parish youth After being in the city of Rome for about four months, enjoying ourselves, meeting people, perfecting the language, establishing attachments and especially praying, we, as a group, had a great challenge– to accompany a group of youths inRead More
GERMANY, Gertrud and Norbert Jehle • After two years, the couples of the ninth course of Family Facilitators from Bavaria finished their studies. They received their diploma in a memorable sending-forth ceremony. One of the couples, receiving a diploma, began their activity in a home delivery dialogue with their favorite subject, “To Create Something Together.” The Synod of Bishops, which will be held in September, will be a real challenge for the Church. Couples and families interested in this field are needed to give witness. Contact your diocese if youRead More
BRAZIL, Francisco Jales Junior • On Sunday 26 July, the first diocesan meeting of the Men’s Rosary in Jandius, in Rio Grande do Norte was held. The morning-long programme brought together hundreds of men and their families from various neighbouring municipalities. This is a regular event in the Men’s Rosary annual programme in Santa Luiza de Mossoró Diocese, which holds a diocesan meeting every two months in the towns that falling within the diocese. The diocesan coordinating team fulfilled their aim, bringing together more than 600 men at the MunicipalRead More
PARAGUAY, by María Fischer, with Fr. Pedro Kühlcke • “After having read the Gospel, Orlando drew closer to greet me and told me: ‘I ask you to pray for the freedom of each one of us, of everyone.’ This is the blessing that Orlando asked for each of us. This is the blessing that we now ask together: freedom.” This is how Pope Francis began the most spontaneous speech of his trip through South America on Sunday 12 July. “Orlando, the youth that made the Pope change his speech,” wereRead More
PARAGUAY, Diocese of Encarnación, Rodolfo and Julia Widmann • Since we learned about the “Pastoral de la Esperanza”, Ministry of Hope, in October, 2008, our desire for this directive to reach the Diocese of Encarnación has never diminished. It was officially established in April, 2009. The support of Fr. Gilberto Penayo, the pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, at that time, and that of the couples, who gave their unconditional “Yes” to the great mission that Saint John Paul II indicated in section Nº 84 of his Encyclical (1981) Familiaris Consortio,Read More
PARAGUAY, by Ricardo Franco • 1985, Father Joseph Kentenich’s 100th birthday was a significant date for the Boys and Girls Youth Groups of the Schoenstatt Movement. Restlessness was born when we recalled the many gifts that we had received during this time. What could we give our Father and Founder for his 100th birthday? It was time to act and to share that life that we received from Father Kentenich. We found the response to our restlessness in a phrase written by Father Kentenich: “In the e centennial year, (thereRead More
Rosario
ARGENTINA, by Rosita Ciola, missionary of the Pilgrim MTA in the Diocese of Morón, Buenos Aires • July 4th was a very special day especially for Morón, Buenos Aires’ Pilgrim MTA missionaries, because Paraguay and Argentina were playing in the South American Cup semi-finals, and Father Jacinto, from Saint Joseph Parish who recently opened the doors of his parish so that we could take the Auxiliary of the Blessed Mother, asked if we could have an illuminated rosary before the Mass, exactly at the same time as the game. ThisRead More
Chile, by Antonio Barschiesi Ferrari • On October 18, 2012, the Schoenstatt Family of Villa Aleman enthroned the picture of the Blessed Mother in a wayside shrine of the La Asunción Peña Blanca Parish located in the eastern sector of the commune. During these two years the Schoenstatters have integrated themselves into the life of the church with strength and joy. They have participated in the Parish Council, are in charge of some of the Holy Masses, collaborate in catechesis, health pastoral, workshops for parents, couples pastoral and a longRead More
AUSTRIA, Ingrid and Alois Neuhauser • The opening of the first Austrian Marriage Camino took place at Obritzberg, St Poelten Diocese, on 28 June. About four hundred people, among them families from the neighbouring dioceses of Vienna, Linz, Graz and even Hungary and the Czech Republic, came to share in a joyful celebration of marriage and the family. After the family Mass, prepared by the Schoenstatt families, nourishment for body and soul was served in the parish courtyard. The children enjoyed themselves with games in the parish garden. Special highlightsRead More
GERMANY, Maria Fischer • “Caught!” was clearly written in Margit R’s face when Gertrud and Norbert Jehle spoke very practically and graphically about “listening and looking” on Saturday, 27 June, during the Jour Fixe for leaders at Memholz, Germany. These are decisive elements of observation when dealing with colleagues. The little, practical exercise during which Margit R’s face showed she had been caught, gave rise in other participants to a whole palette of emotions from “This can’t be happening!” to a smiling, “It really is my turn!” The exercise consistedRead More