CHILE, Juan Enrique Coeymans. On Saturday, May 2nd at 3:00 p.m., Chile’s Shrine Number 21 was consecrated in Mary’s Valley in the Maipo area located about forty kilometers south of Santiago. The Buin Maipo Family had prepared for this consecration with much enthusiasm, sacrifice, prayer, and contributions to the capital of grace. They were fantastically organized and no logistical detail was overlooked.
Pilgrims from many parts of Chile began to arrive very early, most were from Santiago, and it was estimated that there were 6,000 participants.
The ceremony began punctually, with an opening procession that was almost Byzantine and imperial, the cross, then the flags of the different Branches, fifty Schoenstatt Fathers’ seminarians, about fifty priests in addition to some deacons, and the Bishop of the San Bernardo Diocese (to which the Shrine belongs), Bishop Javier Gonzalez Errázuriz, who was an Opus Dei priest before becoming a bishop.
The coordinators for the Maipo Family gave the welcome followed by the presentation of the Shrine’s keys to the Bishop, who in turn presented them to the Director of the Movement, and the doors of the Shrine were opened.
The living stones of the Shrine
The penitential rite followed with the blessing of the walls of the Shrine and of the attendees, who are living stones of this Shrine. At that moment an incredible downpour began, it seemed as if heaven also wanted to purify all of us, which obliged us to open umbrellas. The public was prepared because they knew it might rain, and the organizers brought very elegant, yellow and white umbrellas for the con-celebrants, because everything took place outdoors.
The Liturgy of the Word followed in which the Gospel of the Visitation was proclaimed and then the Bishop gave the homily. It was a beautiful surprise, because he had prepared very well with writings of our founder, and he was very empathetic, affectionate, welcoming, and encouraging. He also cited several priests and doctors of the Church, not to demonstrate his education, but rather it was to reinforce the importance of the love and giving of self to Mary to those in attendance. He showed filial feelings and affection for our Mother, always speaking of her as the Blessed Mother like an old Ibero-american Schoenstatter.
The procession of the enthronement of the Blessed Mother
Then it was time to properly consecrate the Shrine beginning with the Litany of the Saints, sung with that Argentinean melody, which for many of us was first used during the consecration of the Church of God the Father in Florencia Varela, Argentina, in 1992.
Then the relics of Saint Teresa of the Andes, the first Chilean Saint were placed on the altar (they were a gift of the Bishop), followed by the consecration prayer that was said in an impressive silence. The entire altar table was anointed, the Shrine was incensed with a large censer that elevated the smoke of our prayers to heaven in a spectacular manner, then the people of God, who are also living shrines and in whom Christ is also present, were incensed.
Finally, the candles were lit, the altar was set, flowers were placed, and then the procession of enthronement of the Blessed Mother began while 6,000 people sang. Little girls scattered rose petals in front and behind of the procession. She was carried on a platform that was decorated with flowers and was carried by the men of the Maipo Schoenstatt Movement. Thousands of red, white, and blue handkerchiefs waved in the midst of shouts, applause, songs, and while She traveled up the aisle, our eyes filled with tears of emotion because She arrived triumphantly to preside on her throne of grace.
In spite of wind and cold
During the prayer of the faithful, we prayed very strongly for the Church and the difficult time we are going through, and we prayed for Ignacio Ruiz-Tagle, who was the soul of the building of this Shrine, who died suddenly last year, becoming a living foundation of the Shrine of the Valley of Mary.
The Eucharist celebrated by all the (priests and laity) followed with great focus and good spirit, because the rain and the cold wind, could have killed us, but nothing happened, because our hearts were happy and filled with the graces of this moment.
After communion that was distributed by many con-celebrants, a decree was read which canonically erected this Shrine, and permits that all the sacraments can be celebrated here. As far as memory serves, it is the first Chilean Shrine erected by the Bishop with a decree and everything.
Then the Bishop took the Blessed Mother in solemn procession to the Shrine, while the seminarians of the Schoenstatt Fathers sang the chorus, Laudate Dominum, music of Taizé. We were able to see the profound moment of the Bishop’s devotion along with the main celebrants on the gigantic television screen when the Shrine was incensed and during the silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which occupied its place in this new Shrine. It was an intimate, devout moment, and one of great emotion.
Finally, the Bishop left the Shrine, the papal blessing, which was sent through the Nuncio for this moment, was read and the final blessing was given, while all the people sang the Hymn of our Family: Protect Us With Your Mantle…
The celebrations continued
The celebrations continued until almost midnight with fewer people present. There were cantatas, dramatizations, and other activities. But the two hours and a half of the consecration flew. It was a rainy afternoon; an omen of the graces that will emanate from here. It was very cold, but hearts were on fire, and it will not be forgotten. It is up to the Schoenstatt Family of Buin Maipo through their capital of grace to maintain this Shrine and to attract many youthful hearts just as our Father dreamed.
Translation: Celina Garza, San Antonio, Melissa Janknegt, Elgin, USA
