ARGENTINA, Lilita and Carlos Ricciardi. “If I am asked why I prefer to walk through dirt streets beneath the sun at noon during the summer instead to lying on a beach on the coast, why I prefer a shower with cold water in the bathroom of a school instead of jumping the waves of the sea, why I prefer to sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag being worn out after a day full of work instead of going out on a Saturday night to dance; if I am asked, why I chose to go on mission for one week instead of going on vacation for a month, I am going to respond: because it is one of the most beautiful experiences you could have in your life. You may surely think that I am exaggerating, that I am going over the top. You may be right to think that I am a little crazy, because I prefer to work than to enjoy myself, that I prefer to suffer than to be happy. On the contrary, because when I am on mission I enjoy myself more than ever, and the most important thing: I am happy making someone happy. And if you do not believe this, I simply say: “come and you will see”. This is the testimony of José María, a participant of the Family Missions. From January 25th to January 31st, 2010 the 12th ARGENTINEAN MARIAN FAMILY MISSIONS of the SCHOENSTATT APOSTOLIC MOVEMENT will be carried out in the areas of Caseros, Provincia de Entre Ríos, and in Lobería, Province of Buenos Aires. Like every year, you can participate in the happinesss of going on mission even if you are far away by accompanying them with prayer.
A group of couples, with their children and other youth, go on mission as a Family and for the Families, giving up part of their vacation for this noble apostolic task. Their mission is to take the Word of Christ and the Blessed Mother to each one of the families in these areas. They have carried out his task for eleven years.
Those who do not go to the Missions have accompanied them for ten years with prayer, the Rosary and daily Mass. For this reason, many people within and outside of Argentina unite in a prayer chain for the success and fruitfulness of the Family Missions.
The request is to pray for the Family Missions sometime during the day, for example pray the Holy Rosary, attend Mass or offer whatever you wish for the missionaries. At the end of the day of mission, during the night prayer, all those who have prayed for the missions are mentioned, within a profound framework of gratitude and spiritual unity.
This year the prayer for the Missions is incorporated as another way of uniting spiritually with the missionaries:
Prayer for the Missions
who want to give witness
Those who want to unite spiritually with the Family Missions are asked to inform Carlos and Lilita Ricciardi about the prayers you will offer, the Rosary or daily Mass. Please send your complete name and the names of those who will accompany you in this prayer chaín.
Please make this notice known via the media and in the communities.
Send your promises to pray here:
estudioricciardi@ciudad.com.ar or misionesfamiliares@ciudad.com.ar
Translation: Celina Garza, San Antonio, USA / Melissa Janknegt, Elgin, USA
