Journey of the Flame

PHILIPPINES, Gylle Deh P. Sabanal. The Schoenstatt Youth at the Shrine near Cebu City, Philippines are preparing for the construction and blessing of the Joseph Engling Stone near the Shrine. The blessing is scheduled for October 17, when the Schoenstatt Family celebrates the Feast of the Mother Thrice Admirable. In view of Schoenstatt’s 100th anniversary in 2014, the young people will erect a very unique memorial behind the Shrine to remind all to not to forget the origins of Schoenstatt and the Shrine of Grace.

A group of young and inspiring people was formed motivated by the principle of empowering the modern generation of today. It wasn’t just an ordinary formation but a remarkable foundation developed by God’s love. Different personalities converged with one common vision: to live a life like Mary. The Schoenstatt Youth, as they are collectively known, does have one perfect model in their pursuit of religious zeal: Joseph Engling, a Marian sodalist who was a member of the founding generation of Schoenstatt. He was often referred to by the Founder, Fr. Joseph Kentenich, as a “founding document lived.”

To commemorate Joseph Engling’s praiseworthy life, the Filipino Schoenstatt Youth were very determined to come up with ideas that will best honor the hero they highly deem to be. They decisively opted to build a memorial stone that would be visible to the thousands of pilgrims.

Groundbreaking in May

Last January 5, 2010 in time for Joseph Engling’s birthday, they started their goal in celebrating his birthday along with the blessing of the time capsule during the celebration of the Mass by Bishop Ruben Labajo. Subsequently on the 9th day of May 2010, they concurrently had their groundbreaking ceremony to ultimately materialize their plan of constructing the memorial stone. Being the month of Mary, the Youth offered red roses after the Mass as an expression of love for Mary.

Looking forward

During the Novena for the fiesta celebration, an excerpt of Joseph Engling’s life story will be shown. With high hopes, the Schoenstatt youth are looking forward to the blessing of Joseph Engling’s memorial stone on October 17, 2010 in time for the celebration of the Feast day of Mother Thrice Admirable.

It was Joseph Engling’s commendable life that keeps the Schoenstatt Youth’s faith burning fervently and ardently in spreading the exemplary life that he lived. He left a blazing flame that adds to lighten up the way on the journey of life.