BRAZIL, Sr. M. Nilza. “Londrina congratulates the Mother of God”, with these words, Mr. Neto Barboso, the mayor of Londrina, state of Paraná, expressed what is in the heart of the people of his city, in commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Schoenstatt Shrine of the Mother and Queen.
More than four thousand people from Londrina and several other cities spent May 16th at a large celebration. The Mother of God School opened the doors and hearts of the community and together they celebrated like a large family. City and religious authorities were there to express gratitude for the sixty years of graces that have emanated from this Shrine, the One Who Crushes the Serpent for the triumph of the Son’s Tabor.
Unity, gratitude, and joy are words, which well express the atmosphere of this day.
Everything began with the inauguration of the new door
Everything began with the inauguration of the new door The rubblework walls were replaced with glass, which will allow everyone who passes down busy Goiás Avenue to have a beautiful and broad view of the Shrine. An enormous picture of the Mother and Queen, a monument of 9 meters tall (29.5ft), allows the passerby to encounter her maternal gaze from hundreds of meters away as She invites them to enter into her house. “This gaze will renew the people!” said Gustavo, a member of the Schoenstatt Boys’ Youth.
“The community of Londrina appreciates being blessed upon passing through this street,” said the mayor, Barboso Neto, who participated in the event accompanied by his wife, Ana Laura. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration of the members of the Schoenstatt Movement in the different governmental sectors, and he added that it is impossible to think about education and health in the city without the decisive contribution of Schoenstatt.
The grace of having the charism of Schoenstatt
Bishop Bernardo, read Archbishop Monsignor Orlando Brandes’ message, he was unable to attend because of the National Eucharistic Congress that was taking place in Brasilia. The archbishop expressed his gratitude for Schoenstatt spirituality, the presence of the Shrine in the evangelization in the archdiocese: “Londrina has the grace of having the Schoenstatt charism since the beginning of its history.” Bishop Bernardo Gaffa, pastor of the Cathedral Sacred Heart of Jesus parish to which the Shrine belongs – expressed his gratitude, because the Marian spirituality of Schoenstatt is a complement of parish life, and it is always united with the parish and the archdiocese.
Sister M. Ane Gonçalves, Provincial Superior of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, invited everyone to extend their gratitude to the Triune God, the ultimate source of all the graces that have flowed so abundantly during these sixty years, and to the Mother and Queen of Schoenstatt, present here as the One who Crushes the Serpent. She expressed gratitude to the entire Schoenstatt Family of Londrina, which made this monument of gratitude possible through the beautiful work of responsibility and unity.
Father Vandemir Meister, Superior of the Schoenstatt Fathers, expressed that the fall of the rubblework wall is a symbol of the commitment of each person to demolish the barriers of the heart, as a constant contribution to the Capital of Grace for the unity which has become greater within Schoenstatt Family. It is a gift of the Schoenstatt Movement, so that the Shrine will be more and more a blessing for Londrina and its surroundings.
Father Kentenich joined the celebration
Upon seeing the attentive shining eyes that waited to see the curtain covering the MTA’s picture fall, one could “read” so many expressions of gratitude and love for the Mother of God for working in so many life stories through her presence…But suddenly, there was excitement among those present, the crowd made way for a 40 year old automobile that dared to go through the barriers closed to traffic on Goiás Street.
What was happening? Eyes of tenderness replaced those of amazement just as in 1950, Father Joseph Kentenich and two Brothers of Mary, represented very seriously by simple children, arrived once again!
Upon descending from the automobile, Father Kentenich presented bouquets of white lilies, which would be offered to the Mother and Queen for her celebration, to each Sister of Mary and to some of the children present. He presented a pair of scissors to the authorities who were present to cut the ribbons that would uncover the picture of the MTA.
An atmosphere of silence and expectation
Everyone was gazing at the enormous white fabric that fell rapidly followed by tears of emotion: The Mother and Queen is already here! May She be praised! She is responsible for the sixty years of graces received in the city! Fireworks exploded, which touched and increased the emotional beat of the loyal hearts and was expressed with affectionate applause.
She is the Mother and Queen; She deserves the celebration! As of now She, as a good and loving Mother not only awaits her children at home, but She is at the door inviting them to enter. She welcomes each one in a very personal way and with a protective gaze. She invites each pilgrim: “enter my child, this house is yours!” And She says to the one that departs: “I will accompany you with my gaze, wherever you may be! Return soon, my child!”
Let’s go then!
The wide doors were opened and everyone went to the Shrine. Father Kentenich was in front showing everyone the holy place. Along with the little Sisters of Mary and other children, he deposited the bouquets of lilies in front of the altar. The Shrine was quickly filled with people, and you could almost hear the- “thank you, thank you, thank you…” But the celebration was just beginning! Everyone went quickly to Holy Mass, celebrated in the covered patio of the Mother of God School, which like the heart of the Mother, was opened to make room for the entire Londrina community.
Source: maeperegrina.com.br
Translation: Celina Garza, San Antonio, Melissa Janknegt, Elgin, USA
