Posted On 2009-10-22 In Covenant Life

Blessing of the Outdoor Stations of the Cross at Schoenstatt on the Lake

Fr. Mark Steffl blessing the Stations of the Cross in  Sleepy Eye, USA, October 18 - Photos: NiehausUSA, Mona Wolf. We, the Minnesota Schoenstatt Young Adult Group would like to tell you the story of how the Stations of the Cross came to be erected at Schoenstatt on the Lake, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, USA. In the beginning, there was a group of young adults who wanted to continue to be active in Schoenstatt after leaving youth groups and youth activities. We wanted to still be active in Schoenstatt through participating in projects, as well as by supporting each other through our college and career pursuits and to visit our Mother Thrice Admirable in her shrine on a more regular basis.

 


Blessing of the Stations of the Cross, October 18Our first meeting in Lent 2009, we watched a Christian movie called “Fireproof” and had some discussion about it. Informally, during the meeting, the conversation came up that maybe we could erect Stations of the Cross at Schoenstatt on the Lake since there weren’t any outdoor stations. Why not, we thought. It would give our group a reason to come together. Summer was coming with the hope of more free time for college students, and it seemed like a perfect time to dive into such an endeavor. Of course, all we had at this point was a vague idea and our own enthusiasm.

A Schoenstatt Sister with a set of 16 bronze plaques

During the blessing ceremonyA Schoenstatt Sister was transferred to Sleepy Eye around this time. She heard about our project wish and happened to have a set of Stations of the Cross – 16 bronze plaques. These were generously donated to the group free of charge. In a conversation with a benefactor, another Schoenstatt Sister was given a gift of 20 Kasota stones – perfect for outdoor use.

Some of the group members made drawings of the Stations of the Cross. It seemed that all we would need would be cedar beams to erect the stations. One of the young women used modern technology and on the internet located cedar beams for our project at a very reasonable cost.

The thought was to have the names of the stations put on since many people don’t know what the Roman numerals are and what the stations are about. A group member went to a trophy shop looking for something else and came into a discussion about outdoor plaques. When the owner found out that we might be interested in plaques for outdoor stations, he was very excited. In the end, he gave us a very good price for the 16 plaques we needed.

Assembling and erecting the stations

Erecting the stationsOur MTA sure seemed to want this project to go because everything was falling into place. Divine Providence at its best! Some of the young men with their fancy pick-up trucks could pick up our supplies. On August 16th a group of 16 got together to assemble the stations. There were cedar beams cut, and plaques glued. Everything turned out very nicely.

The next thing was to bring the stations to Sleepy Eye. It worked out that this could take place at the same time a landscaper came to give his opinion as to where the stations would look best. Since Schoenstatt on the Lake is by a lake, he figured they would be best along the path by the lake. This was exactly like one of the members had drawn!

Making sure the holes are level for the Stations On September 20th a group of 15 came and erected the stations. A benefactor had helped to dig the holes ahead of time making the job go easier. During the erection, members of the group took turns praying in the shrine. When we were done, we prayed the station of the cross together. How truly beautiful they look!

The project has been carried by prayer. At one of the meetings, we had each received a station to pray in. The spiritual preparation helped that the real project was blessed.

Solemn blessing on October 18

On the Founding Day, October 18, 2009, we had the solemn blessing of the Stations of the Cross. The members of our Young Adult group helped with the whole celebration of the Schoenstatt Family. Some did the readings at Holy Mass, others helped with singing, another wrote a power point about the history of the Stations project, and all who attended prayed part of the Stations of the Cross. There were two priests who took turns blessing each station individually after the station prayers (written by one member) were prayed. All participated and had great joy in our beautiful stations.

Group who helped erect the Stations of the CrossOf course, this project is not the end of our group, rather just the beginning. Besides wanting to begin another project or mission, we continue to meet, in order to play, pray as well as provide each other support and friendship. We hope our group will continue to grow and prosper – after all we are still praying for a Father Kentenich statue – no one happens to know a sister who has one of those, do they?

1 Responses

  1. Phyllis says:

    You young folks really picked up my spirits today, as I read of your efforts in erecting the Stations of the Cross. May your individual uniqueness be rewarded by our MTA.

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