ARGENTINA, Juan Barbosa. At the Shrine of Solidarity in Villa Warcalde, Córdoba, Father Alberto Eronti and Father Guillermo Mario Cassone – concelebrating Mass – thanked the dear Mother of God on the feast day of the Queenship of Mary, for their 40 years of priesthood. Before a plentiful assembly, the celebration convoked members of the Schoenstatt Family from Córdoba, Paraná, San Luis and La Plata…..it was like gathering the “youths from former times.” It was a joyful experience for the soul, according to the clear description of an enthusiastic participant!
A walk through history
On a sunny and cool afternoon, the priests concelebrated along with five other priests. Among them was their Verbum Partis Course brother, Father Guillermo Carmona. It was the Holy Mass for the Queenship of Mary and there was a plentiful and enthusiastic assembly present.
Already at the arrival, a common denominator was the embraces and joyful faces which remained throughout the celebration. Not being able to contain such contentment in the soul could be noticed without an observant twist…..
The choir – composed of 4 former Schoenstatt youths who are now parents with children surrounding them – gave the feeling of a contagious closeness and the presence of close family members caused a climate of recollection which was challenging. Triumphant was the cool climate which permeated the atmosphere. In the homily, Fr. Guillermo Mario affectionately recalled the La Salle Brothers (two of them who were his professors were present this afternoon)….. his parents and the parents of Fr. Alberto….. the Wayside Shrine which was located where the Shrine is now….. and the brothers of his youth group (some of whom were also present this afternoon).
Highlighted was the conclusion which came forth after meeting Father Joseph Kentenich, Founder of the Apostolic Schoenstatt Movement: I want to be like him!
Recognition and gratitude
Toward the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Alberto especially thanked his dear Blessed Mother for this life of fidelity…..his family for their unconditional support…..for those in charge of his formation and for their great confidence in him…..his Course brothers…..his friends who supported him greatly…..the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary for their faithful care of the Shrine where his vocation was born.
At the banquet afterward, a testimony of his paternity came forth very naturally in a conversation. A member of the Family Work was having a lively conversation with another friend, both were with their husbands and both had been married for more than twenty five years. During the conversation, one commented to the other that Fr. Alberto was the one who responded to their request and called us to tell us of a workshop for couples which would take place in the Shrine. The other one – who had been in the Movement longer – was astounded….. At that time, Fr. Alberto had called them, recommending that they be attentive to this couple who would be coming to the workshop and who had not lived for very long in Córdoba. Impressive paternity discovered 25 years later!
Two favorite sons of the Shrine of Córdoba
The sun was setting on this Land of Mary which is Villa Warcable, and the original Wayside Shrine – which is neighboring the place where the Shrine is located – was more radiant than ever. Two of its favorite sons – whose vocations were awakened more than 50 years ago – were united today with many members of the Schoenstatt Family in a celebration….. Heavenwards!
Translation: Carlos Cantú, Schoenstatt Family Federation, La Feria, Texas USA 08252011
