Blessing of the Shrine in Miami, Way to the Merciful Father

USA, Angie Santos. After 23 years of striving and many contributions to the Treasury of Grace, Schoenstatt members in the south of Florida – originally from at least 22 Latin American countries – witnessed a dream come true: the Shrine of Miami, “Way to the Merciful Father.”

The beautiful blessing ceremony took place on the 12th of December, Gaudete Sunday and Feast of the Patroness of the Americas, Our Lady of Guadalupe. The main celebrant was the Auxiliary Bishop of the Miami Archdiocese, the Most Reverend Felipe de Jesús Estévez and concelebrating were Schoenstatt Fathers Héctor Vega, Christian Christensen, Sidney Fones, José Luis Nieto, Jesús Ferras, Francisco Rojas and the local pastor.

The background for the blessing was a splendid day with a beautiful blue sky. The members of the local Schoenstatt Family were radiant…..the arduous effort was being fruitful. More than one thousand persons attended, coming from other states like: Wisconsin, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee and a representative group from Washington D.C. and New York. Coming from foreign countries were persons from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, México and numerous members from the Schoenstatt Family in Ecuador. This was a very moving and proud moment for the Schoenstatt Family from Ecuador. The altar relic of the Shrine is from a beloved Ecuadorean saint, Saint Narcisa of Jesus.

A beautiful place

The Miami Shrine is located in Redland, southwest of Miami. It is a rural area filled with palm tree and tropical plant nurseries, fruit tree orchards, and vegetable fields. The ample grounds are adorned by fourteen palm trees which were donated by generous empresarios…..seven on each side of the road leading to the Shrine which bears in the cement the imprints of Father Kentenich’s footsteps with whom each child of his can walk on the way toward the Merciful Father.

Precisely the Mercy of God and of the Blessed Mother has been clearly experienced since numerous difficulties had to be overcome, especially in obtaining the permit for the construction of the Shrine. For five years, the Rosary was prayed faithfully every Saturday and the fruitfulness of that powerful prayer is clearly evident. They emphasized how the one in charge of coordinating the Rosary was also in charge of the flower arrangements and these would remain fresh for one week. There were visible apostles like the Asanza and the most enthusiastic Sarita de Ycaza, but there were others also who remained behind the scene like the woman – who in spite of her limited economic resources – was faithful to her pledge for 23 years. Sr. Petra, coming from Milwaukee, helped the Family for six months prior to the blessing of the Shrine and took care of all the details.

To receive those attending and to protect them from the sun, there were two large tents which filled up very early.

After a beautiful cantata presented by a choir of Girls’ Youth, the procession was led by three little girls dressed in white, two youths who carried the image of the MTA, and flags from the different countries of origin of the Movement members. These were carried by members of the Boys’ Youth. During the ceremony, His Excellency expressed his joy at being able to preside at this ceremony. He spoke fondly of the Movement and invited the concelebrating priests to introduce themselves.

A gift for the Father and founder

Martha Selaya served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Mr. and Mrs. Aymerini took care of the readings and Fr. Sidney Fones proclaimed the Gospel. In his homily, Bishop Estévez highlighted the great happiness felt by everyone there for the blessing of this Shrine whose construction has been a long and laborious work of patience, a project which has been evolving for almost 25 years. He recalled how recently, on May 31st, they were gathered with the Archbishop and the Bishop of Pueblo for the laying of the cornerstone, and now it is ready. He also recalled Father Kentenich, Founder of Schoenstatt. He said that this Shrine which Father Christian has presented to the Archdiocese of Miami is also a gift for Father Kentenich in honor of the 100th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. He also reflected on the significance of the Shrine being blessed on the 12th of December, Feast of the Patroness of the Americas. He said this place is a very beautiful place as is the place where Schoenstatt began and that the Covenant of Love of Father Kentenich with the boys is the seed which makes this Shrine in Miami possible, where Mary establishes her workshop as Educatress. In conclusion, he said that they are very fortunate in the Archdiocese to count on this marvelous Family and he invited all to give thanks for the abundance received from the Lord. After the homily, they blessed the Shrine, and with applause, those present manifested their joy at having a place of Grace.

During the presentation of the offertory gifts, various gifts for the Shrine were presented, among them a monstrance, censer, the symbol of the beacon where the contributions to the Treasury of Grace will be gathered. The ovation which Sara de Ycaza received when she presented the Pilgrim Virgin as a gift was very moving.

Abounding joy

As a special gift, at the end of the ceremony, Luis and Kathy Asanza were given a special blessing by the Bishop. Afterward, Luis and Kathy gratefully acknowledged all persons and families who contributed to the construction of the shrine, especially including the youth for their enthusiasm and the hope which their presence awakens.

The Mass was transmitted via Internet and portions of it were transmitted by Radio Paz where two very committed Schoenstatters, Gustavo and Belsay, have a weekly program called Covenant of Love.

In the subsequent hours, those attending were able to enter the Shrine and experience there the presence of the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt. The Family then invited everyone to lunch “in view of the Shrine.”

In conclusion, this was a day of Heaven…..filled with emotions…..where the culture of the Covenant of Love could be experienced…..being in one another…..for one another…..in the heart of God and reflecting on the immense Mercy of God with the Schoenstatt Family in the South of Florida.

> Photo album December 11

> Photo album December 12