UNITED STATES, Marian Sousa. On Saturday, September 3rd, a truly heavenly afternoon was experienced at the Shrine of Miami. There had not been an opportunity to gather the Girls’ and Boys’ Youth from the area in a joint celebration since December 12th of last year (inauguration day). However with the Blessed Mother’s help and following the law of the “open door,” the desire to organize the first Mass for the youth emerged. Thanks to the help of the different Branches and the commitment of the youth, a magnificent afternoon of blessings was enjoyed.
Forty-five youth, sixteen of them who arrived on pilgrimage from Argentina, attended in spite of the heavy rains, the traffic, and the heat that hit the southern Florida that afternoon. The Shrine filled little by little…when the pews were full, chairs were placed in the aisle, and the youth began to fill every little corner (they were even in the closet!). Although there were forty chairs outside that were also filled little by little, they were not concerned about the heat or being crowded. Their only desire was to celebrate the Eucharist INSIDE the Shrine while the MTA joyfully smiled at this visit.
Holy Mass with Bishop Lorenzo de León León, from Peru
Peruvian bishop, Bishop Lorenzo de León, presided at the Holy Mass , and it was concelebrated by Father Luis Largaespada from the local Our Lady of Lourdes parish. Before beginning, Bishop de León shared his experience with the “Youth’s Pope”: Blessed John Paul II, with the participants. He related that in one of his visits with the Holy Father, he emphasized the importance of the youth for the Church, and he said with great emotion how the Pope’s eyes shone when he spoke about youth. The Bishop also encouraged the youth to ALWAYS walk in the Father and Founder’s footsteps, since it is the surest road to Mary…he also referred to the footsteps that are on the way toward the Shrine here in Florida.
Blessed is the “strange” person who follows Jesus!
With hearts that were “synthesized”, the, celebration of the Eucharist began with songs from girls of the Girls’ Youth prepared with great feeling. During the homily, Father Luis Largaespada encourage the youth to give themselves radically to Jesus, leaving aside the criticism or the pressure that is present in the world, and to only LISTEN to the voice of God: What does God truly want of me?… They will say that you are strange. Blessed are they that are strange for following Jesus!” He also spoke of how the things of the world go out of style; they come and go according to the style society decides to follow. However, the words of the Gospel are always current, they are always in “style”. The priest continued to motivate the youth not to be afraid to follow Jesus through his personal experiences.
Make me a Schoenstatt apostle
The celebration ended with the traditional “Hymn of Franz Reinisch.” The Boys’ and Girls’ Youth competed to prove which group could sing loudest. The emotion, joy, and commitment truly were felt! After Holy Mass, the participants were invited to Schoenstatt House, where refreshments were served. A little later there was a torrential rain causing everyone to run to their cars…even the boys who had come from Argentina. It was God saying, “Welcome to Miami, rain and all!”
Fruits…
Schoenstatt was born, almost 100 years ago from the YOUNG heart of Father Kentenich. Today, he calls us to continue with his mission: to love Mary wholeheartedly and to take God’s love to every corner. The Blessed Mother took this occasion to shower her graces in a special way on all who came to her Shrine, and most of all on each one of the youth and their relatives. Joyful confidence reigned and soon the fruits of this retreat given to Florida’s youth and the entire world will be seen. Heartfelt thanks to those who made this desire a reality, especially to the Argentinean Youth who inspired and motivated the realization of this happy retreat with their visit.
Translation: Celina Garza, San Antonio, Melissa Janknegt, Elgin, Texas, USA
