October Schoenstatt celebrations in Washington, D.C.

USA, Sofía Benegas. After several rainy days, October 25th was a beautiful day in the Washington, D.C. area, and although a bit late (it was celebrated at the octave) it was one of the most beautiful 18th anniversaries experienced in the area for some time. It was a day that gave a hint of what awaits Schoenstatt in 2014 and throughout the3rd millennium.

The meeting began as usual through the initiative of a few remarkably persevering, happy, and committed members from the Metropolitan Washington area who invited us to join the 95th Anniversary of the Covenant of Love celebration.

The enthusiasm of so many people reminded everyone to gather for the celebration of the Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, in Bethesda, Maryland, Great Washington, D.C., a delicious lunch served at theparish cafeteria followed; and finally by a presentation, that was like the icing on the cake, given during dessert time at the Girls’ Youth’s meeting place.

At the beginning of the Mass and carrying the beautiful image of the Mother Thrice Admirable of Schoenstatt, the Girls’ Youth led the procession to the altar.

Schoenstatt’s many groups come together

There were members from these groups: Girls’ Youth, Ladies, Families and Rosary Campaign Pilgrims. I came from Arlington, Virginia; my sister and my three nieces, members of the Maryland Young Girls group, came from Brentwood, Maryland. We helped to distribute the 95th Anniversary brochures that Lee prepared along with other Schoenstatt materials.

Fr. Marco Schad, Vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, celebrated the Mass; he is a great Schoenstatt friend. The new pastor of the parish, Msgr. Edward Filardi, is also very open to our Movement. He has met Father Michael Schapfel, a diocesan Schoenstatt priest in Virginia, many times. Schoenstatt is very active in the catechesis and evangelization at Our Lady of Lourdes’ Parish; many members of the Movement do volunteer work as catechists.

Inspired with a Family spirit

Close to one hundred persons participated in the festive lunch. After that, Hugo and Rosario presented a summary of Schoenstatt’s ninety-five years’ history and explained the presence of the members of groups from the Washington metropolitan area, including Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland.

It was a great experience of Family spirit, which motivated all to continue working for the Blessed Mother’s future Schoenstatt Shrine in Washington, D.C.