USA, Carlos Cantu. I remember the first visit of this precious symbol to our Texas land in 1969. It was not too long after the death of our father and founder, Father Joseph Kentenich. He had offered this symbol as a gift to the Original Shrine. That first visit was 40 years ago. Two families from Wisconsin and Maria Kleinmeyer, Father Kentenich’s secretary, had brought the symbol to Texas by car. One of the fruits of this historic visit was the first international pilgrimage to Schoenstatt in 1970. And today, what can we expect? This Father Eye Symbol is now traveling throughout the world in preparation for our great celebration in 2014, the 100th birthday of Schoenstatt… the 100th anniversary of the Covenant of Love with our Mother Thrice Admirable in her Schoenstatt Shrine.
We were very blessed to have had the Father Eye Symbol at the Golden Jubilee celebration of our Confidentia Shrine. Not only does the symbol remind us of the greater reality that God is our Father and that He knows us, loves us and sees us, but the symbol also reminds us of the fatherhood of our father and founder, Father Joseph Kentenich…..how he cared for and loved his family. He continues to be the spiritual father to many!
Visit to La Feria
After visiting in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, the Father Eye Symbol again returned to our Confidentia Shrine and was present during our annual convention of leaders. It was very fitting for us to have the symbol with us on this weekend for it is on this weekend that we discern our way for the coming year. At this convention, the continued plan for the visit of the Father Eye Symbol in Texas was carefully addressed. The leaders from the Diocese of Brownsville who were present at the convention had the privilege of bringing the Father Eye Symbol to our diocese on Sunday, October 25th. The mothers branch had the symbol first. Numerous mothers gathered on Monday, October 26th at the home of Eva Verduzco where they had the opportunity for a private visit with the symbol. Many thoughts and prayers were expressed in writing in the journal accompanying the symbol. The symbol was then taken to the home of Carlos and Elizabeth Cantú. The families branch then had the opportunity for individual private visits with the symbol on two consecutive evenings. Entries into the journal increased considerably and all were grateful for the opportunity for their special visits with the Father Eye Symbol.
In Brownsville
The Father Eye Symbol then left from La Feria, Texas to Brownsville, Texas. Elizabeth and I were privileged to take the symbol to the home of Raquel Guillen in Brownsville. The planned reception of the symbol in Brownsville was spectacular! Raquel Guillen is one of our most ardent workers for our Blessed Mother. Not only is she a member of the mothers branch and a supporter of the families branch, she works tirelessly for the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign. Approximately 25 persons were waiting for the Father Eye Symbol with lighted candles in hand and joyful hymns on their lips. The special room she has for her many meetings was colorfully decorated with many Pilgrim MTA’s and flowers of all kinds. The beaming faces of those present, expressed the joy and gratitude with which they greeted the Father Eye Symbol. There is no doubt that they captured the true meaning of this visit. A constant flow of visitors came by throughout the afternoon and evening and into the next day. We arrived again on Friday evening for an encounter with two couples groups which meet monthly at the home of Raquel Guillen. This is another expression of her generosity. These two groups of couples are a fruit of the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign efforts by Raquel Guillen.
The symbol was escorted with a candlelight escort to our awaiting car
Experiences with the Father Eye Symbol were shared as well as a delicious meal and many hymns accompanied by guitar. At the conclusion, the symbol was escorted with a candlelight escort to our awaiting car. We continued our journey home in silence and with prayers of thanksgiving and petition, knowing that the Father Eye Symbol would continue on its journey the next day to Corpus Christi, Texas. No words are needed to define and express the beautiful motto of the Texas Schoenstatt Family: IN JOYFUL GRATITUDE, ONE HEART IN THE FATHER!
