mcb. Week after week, dozens of readers post their comments about the articles published on schoenstatt.org. Here we present some of the most interesting and inspiring notes in the five editions in different languages.
Brussels 2012
On August 30th, an article was published about the activities of the Movements and New Communities in May 2012, and on the same day workshops, projects, and activities were carried out in several European cities. “HER” commented: “The Schoenstatt Movement was also at the table” in Frankfurt. A team of approximately ten members from the different parishes and Movements are planning a large conference in the area of Rhine-Main.
Franz Reinisch
Agathe Hug’s article about Father Franz Reinisch’s anniversary – scarcely recalled in the place of origin – awakened much reaction especially in the Spanish version, and it was the most commented one of the month:
mycaza@bellsouth.net, Miami, Florida: I am very sorry that we did not remember Father Reinisch on August 21st; we should ask the people who know Schoenstatt history to send the dates of the return to the Merciful Father of those almost forgotten Schoenstatt saints, to the Shrines worldwide in December. In this way, our leaders or the Sisters and priests can remind and tell us about them. On Thursday, September 1st, we will pray for Father Reinisch during the Circle of Zion Mass, and we will ask him to intercede for the intentions of the Miami Shrine (United States).
HMA, Argentina: In Latin America Father Reinisch is very well known, above all, his radical commitment is present among the youth. The Hymn of Father Reinisch is sung at every meeting, adapting the lyrics to the boys and girls (“knights” or “lilies”). Recently in an article on schoenstatt.org, a group of young WYD pilgrims are shown before the tomb of Father Reinisch. Congratulations to the author for reminding the entire international Family about him. Those of us who have shared in the founding times have the obligation of orally transmitting what we have received …
Juan Enrique Coeymans, Chile: Could the anniversary dates of the departed of our Family, who are in the process of beatification, be published in advance in the Schoenstatt News section?
The Servant of God, Franz Reinisch, is a giant within the history of our Schoenstatt Family. If he, and so many other heroes are not sufficiently alive, it is because something is wrong with the training of our people.
Pardon me for being so harsh, but it is true. The beatified Karl Leisner, a gift of Providence, the first Schoenstatter to reach the honors of the altar, is not recalled in almost any of the Shrines except in Moriah in Schoenstatt. Saying it gently, we are ungrateful for the gifts we have received from God the Father.
Let us recuperate the value of our history, of our heroes and of the saints who led the way!!!
Monina Crivelli, Argentina
I am in complete agreement with Juan Enrique. We are ungrateful, and perhaps when we sing his song, we think more about its strength rather than in what Franz Reinisch and each one of our heroes mean or should mean, which was his commitment, his heroism, and his loyalty.
The calendar of dates is an excellent idea. We could also add the names of so many other “everyday saints”, such as Father Alex Menningen, Father Hernán Alessandri, Father Horacio Sosa, Sister Regina Silva, Nonino Flecha, Hans Reiche, and so many others who have preceded us in every country. For this reason, since we do not know everyone, you can send their names, anniversary date, and information about their life to the website, so that we will never forget them and so we can begin to imitate them. (Several of them, such as Barbara Kast and Father Esteban Uriburua are already in the “Gallery of Heroes” https://www.schoenstatt.org/es/conociendo_schoenstatt/santidad-diaria.htm )(Spanish and Portuguese only, so far) Only by recalling and trying to embody something of the inheritance they left us through the many examples of life that we have, can we celebrate centenary 2014 as a Family, with a re-founding of Father’s Schoenstatt.
These anniversaries will appear soon on schoenstatt.org. We are working with Fabrizio Usai to develop a calendar with the anniversary dates of the Schoenstatt heroes as well as other dates, which can be added to the web page. Until then, we recommend the brief biographies of the heroes in the process of canonization, and of the “everyday saints”(in Spanish and Portuguese so far), along with the request to send information about those who are still not documented or what these heroes signify for a country, Branch or individual person.
Sister Petra’s visit to Peru
Queca Espinoza, our reporter in Lima, Peru, knows how life currents are strengthened through this website. Her daily reports about Sister Petra’s visit to Lima are a live contribution to the Father current.
Consuelo Falcón, Perú: Dear Queca: Thanks for the heartfelt articles that brought us close to the moment of welcoming Sister Petra in our First Shrine of Peru in Trujillo. We are sure that was a time of hope and special graces for the entire family. “The Blessed Mother will take perfect care.” You can count on our prayers just as we count on yours. We are Father’s children, fire of his fire.
Lucy Chumo V.: It gave me great joy to see Sister Petra again, congratulations to all the brothers and sisters from that little corner of South America, and how beautiful, fruitful, and enriching is the message that Sister Petra has given you, through her it is as if we were seeing our beloved Father Joseph Kentenich. We have already had that blessing on several occasions in our Shrine of Guayaquil, Ecuador. She has evoked many life transformations with those messages. Congratulations, and “let us agree on this, we will remain loyal.” Father Joseph Kentenich.
Melissa, USA: Beautiful! Schoen! How beautiful to seal your covenant of love accompanied by Sister Petra! Graces are flowing in Peru!
Retreat for teachers
Carmen Codas’ article about the retreat for teachers in Paraguay, translated into English, helped to make this apostolic project known in other countries.
lisa arth , USA: A retreat for teachers, this is an inspiration for me. I am a teacher in a public school, and I truly needed to be reminded to follow Christ’s model, to see each child in my school through Christ’s eyes. What an opportunity to get closer to Christ, even through the children who suffer. Thanks to everyone in Paraguay for this inspiration. Thanks for the article!
Conclusion: Do not forget to read the comments in the testimony section of the website, where there are always new testimonies about what Schoenstatt and Father Kentenich mean to each one. Have you written your comments?
Translation: Celina Garza, San Antonio/Melissa Janknegt, Elgin, USA
