USA, Carlos Cantú. The extremely hot Texas weather did not deter the more than 500 persons who attended the annual Queenship of Mary Celebration sponsored by the Schoenstatt Family in the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas. The celebration began at 5:00 P.M. and was held at St. Francis Xavier Church in La Feria, Texas. The image of the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt is enthroned in this parish church and on the parish grounds there is an MTA Wayside Shrine which is known as the Shrine of Loyalty.
On the grounds of the old parish church, the first MTA Wayside Shrine in the Diocese of Brownsville was erected in 1964, commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the founding of the Schoenstatt Movement (1914-1964). [There are two MTA Wayside Shrines in La Feria, one on the new parish grounds and one on the old parish grounds.] In 1984, on the 25th anniversary of the erection of the first Wayside Shrine, the local Schoenstatt Movement members discerned that the grace of loyalty was a special gift from their beloved MTA…..She had given them the grace of loyalty to the Church and to Schoenstatt.
Five years ago, the local Schoenstatt Movement decided to honor the Blessed Mother in a special way. Although the Queenship of Mary which is celebrated in the Church on August 22nd is not a holy day of obligation, the Movement members determined that the Mother and Queen should have her special celebration, so on this day they honor our Mother and Queen of Schoenstatt.
It takes effort to keep things from falling apart
Each year the celebration grows in numbers and prominence. This year the celebration had a special significance because the new diocesan bishop, the Most Reverend Daniel E. Flores, was celebrating with the Schoenstatt Family in his diocese. The bishop was introduced to the Schoenstatt Family and a rousing round of applause filled the Church. It was a joyful and warm occasion which was reflected on smiling faces and beaming eyes. Bishop Flores delivered a splendid homily. Two thoughts from his sermon have stayed with many, they are: “Contemplate Jesus through the eyes of Mary” and “It takes effort to keep things from falling apart.”
More than 80 Pilgrim MTA’s present
Adding to the solemnity of the celebration was the entrance procession which in addition to the Bishop and the priests included an impressive number of PILGRIM MTA’s carried by their coordinators or a representative of the group. Many of the images were adorned beautifully with crowns, flowers, Rosaries and ribbons. There must have been 80 or more Pilgrim MTA’s present. They are a testimony to the great visitation of our Blessed Mother among the people from the Schoenstatt Shrine…..a great testimony to the Church’s efforts for evangelization. During the offertory procession, the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign’s Auxiliary for the diocese was carried on the shoulder of a gentleman who was emulating Don Joao Pozzobon with Pilgrim MTA and Rosary in hand. Also in the offertory procession was a beautiful picture of the Father and Founder, Father Joseph Kentenich, during a Mass. This was done to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. The magnificent and faithful choir not only did a wonderful job with the music, but also introduced beautiful Schoenstatt images during the singing and praying.
One of the first Schoenstatt Sisters who worked in La Feria was present
They were very blessed to have the Director of the Schoenstatt Movement in Texas, Fr. Héctor Vega, concelebrating at the Eucharist. Also concelebrating were two of the diocesan priests who are also members of Schoenstatt: Fr. Joe Villalón and Fr. Carlos Zúñiga. Heartwarming to the celebration was the presence of four of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary. The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary worked in this diocese from 1959 – 1971. Thanks to their efforts, Schoenstatt took deep roots in the diocese. It was significant to have Sr. M. Margret Gruending among them because she was one of the first two Sisters who came to work in La Feria. Sr. M. Corelia Bechold also worked in this parish and it is as if she never left because of her work with the Mothers’ Branch in Texas. Sr. M. Celia Díaz always brings much joy to all because she is a vocation to the Sisters Institute from this very parish.
The Covenant prayed in Spanish and sung in English
The celebration could not have been complete without recognizing Mary as Queen. After the Bishop’s homily, all were asked to think of the special grace they wanted to ask from the Mother and Queen and/or what they wanted to offer Her. After a few moments of silence, everyone rose and faced the enthroned picture of our MTA and all recited solemnly the HAIL HOLY QUEEN prayer in both English and Spanish. Before the conclusion of the Holy Mass, all were invited to renew the Covenant of Love in both English and Spanish: the consecration was prayed in Spanish and sung in English.
With great joy and jubilation, all enjoyed some delectable refreshments after the celebration of the Eucharist. The Bishop happily greeted everyone and enjoyed making his way among the people outside. Everyone had an opportunity to greet friends and renew friendships. All in all, it was a wonderful experience for the Schoenstatt Family in the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas.
