SOUTH AFRICA, Sarah-Leah Pimentel. The Schoenstatt Family in Johannesburg experienced a very full and blessed October Weekend from 15 to 18 October as it joins the international Schoenstatt Family on its pilgrimage to 2014. The weekend can perhaps be summarised by saying that they caught a glimpse of Fr. Kentenich, received two special gifts and are now on a three-year pilgrimage to 2014.
A glimpse
The theme for their October Weekend was: “Attached to our father and founder, we begin our pilgrimage to 2014” and it was therefore fitting that the series of talks given by Fr. Bryan Cunningham gave them a glimpse into the life of the ‘laughing’ Fr. Kentenich. Each of the talks was accompanied by DVD anecdotes recounted by Fr. Peter Locher. These short excerpts brought Fr. Kentenich to life for them, as many of them met, for the first time, an exceptional man who was able to find some humour even in the most difficult situations, accepted arduous trials with joy and never lost sight that no matter how powerful the storm, God’s will and love would prevail and all he had to do was be like the “mariner’s child” with his “Father at the helm.”
During the weekend, the participants had the opportunity to spend some time in Father Kentenich’s presence, reflecting on his life and finding strength by his example so that they can also face their own life challenges with faith, joy and a touch of humour.
Two gifts
The presence of a Schoenstatt Father for the duration of the October Weekend was the most precious gift to be received at our October Weekend. At the start of the year, it was no longer possible for the Schoenstatt Fathers to remain in South Africa, so it was a real blessing that Fr. Bryan Cunningham was able to leave his work in the UK to come and be with the Schoenstatt Family of Johannesburg for the weekend and share with them treasures of the Schoenstatt spirituality during the Holy Masses and the talks.
Two families also sealed their Covenant of Love during the weekend. It was therefore very special to have Fr. Bryan present as a witness when Donald and Juanita Yates and Jean-Marie and Chantel Uwimana and their children made their Covenant with our Blessed Mother.
The second gift was presented by one of the members in our Family Union – Valerio Salvador. For years, they have used a potjiekos pot [traditional South African cast iron cooking pot] to burn the slips bearing the contributions to the Capital of Grace. Valerio designed a magnificent brazier, replete with symbolic elements, which was used for the first time on the evening of 18 October when the Family renewed their Covenant of Love and offered up their contributions of love to our Blessed Mother.
Three years
As the main activities of the October Weekend drew to a close, the Schoenstatt Family felt a special bond to the international family as they waited expectantly for the 2014 motto and logo to be revealed. As they thought ahead to the next three years of preparation for the centenary, the Holy Spirit guided them towards their motto for 2010/2011 – “In our father’s heart we begin our Covenant journey (to 2014).”
May these strivings as they start on their journey to 2014 be joined with those of all of their Schoenstatt brothers and sisters in the Covenant throughout the world so that many graces will flow to the shrine “as the place of Christ’s rebirth and the place where you radiate into the world the glories of our Mother so that streams of love may pour forth to warm cold hearts” (Heavenwards, Morning Consecration).
