INTERNATIONAL, fma. “Now that I have unpacked the poster, and can see it, I know exactly where my FatherSaying will be put.” Mary Cole in Manchester, UK, wrote these words as she thanked for the poster. She has translated the articles on the FatherSayings, as well as most of the English texts, but on 26 September she saw one for the first time – actually it was the very first to be delivered in English. And she knew where she wanted to put it. “But before that it will go to the Fathers here. One is working at the university and a school. Another was really enthusiastic and remarked that he had seen a photo when he was in Germany. He wanted to show my FatherSaying to the young people who were coming to Mass in the shrine that day.”
Meanwhile Spain has also received the FatherSayings, and one will be sent in the coming days to Chile – as a thank you gift to the translator of a number of articles. It will also spend some time being handed around until it finally settles down on the wall for which it is intended.
FatherSayings have been available since April of this year, and they increasingly become a means of introducing Fr Kentenich and his words into life, drawing them into discussion, and allowing him to work. Both in and outside Schoenstatt.
Which FatherSaying can I give to …?
The colleagues in Schoenstatt auf’m Berg relate their many and varied experiences: of Schoenstatt families who spent a long time in discussion as they stood before an orange wall on which one of the sayings had been applied, while a poster with all the other sayings hanging beside it. Which saying can I give to …? Then, almost imperceptibly they began to realise that Fr Kentenich’s words are personal; he doesn’t want to say the same thing to everyone. One could fix a saying to an office door, while another could fix the same saying, but with a different message, somewhere in the kitchen. Those who knew him smile and recall how he had had exactly the same effect during his lifetime. Suddenly everything comes alive!
Or one of his sayings gives rise to a lively discussion. Hearts are set afire. Memories come alive. Experiences have to be passed on. Then all want to have that FatherSaying. It is a good thing that production is flexible and can usually respond to such “waves”.
When showing people over the house, especially if they don’t know Schoenstatt, the FatherSayings offer a welcome opportunity to talk about Fr Kentenich. Once again you find they have the same effect: Which one would suit …? Which one could I put up in my boss’s office, and which one in the parish sacristy? “It doesn’t mean that people will definitely buy a FatherSaying”, remarks Sr Ingrid-Maria. But at least they talk about Fr Kentenich, think about his words – and he can begin to work.
By the way, the favourite Sayings so far are: 01 “Be what YOU are …”, 06 “Where we find and give shelter …, and 08 “Joy is the source of strength”.
Which FatherSaying will I fix on my wall?
Bernadette and Reinhold Fries prepared a conference for families using the FatherSayings: “The couples in the team of leaders who had to prepare the first evening of the conference were immediately enthusiastic about the idea and describe how they began the conference:
‘On Friday evening, at the beginning of the meeting, we looked back on the past month to discover God’s footprints and each participant was given a sheet with the FatherSayings. The question was: ‘Which of these sayings would you write on your wall at home?’ After a few minutes for reflection the families related how these well-known texts had already had an impact on their lives. Each couple made a profound, very personal, hopeful and joyful statement. Almost all the sayings were mentioned. The favourite was ‘Don’t give up! …’ Afterwards all wanted to discuss this and we had to call a halt and leave it for the following day. We were surprised by the response to our presentation of the FatherSayings: A general murmur, thoughtful faces, joyful faces. On the following day some discussed whether they could – or should – reveal their innermost, formative secrets by putting them for all to see on their wall.
About 13 years ago when our living room was renovated, we only put the MTA picture and crucifix back in our home shrine. We wanted to see which of the many signs, symbols and objects would be missed by the children. They all missed the “Father telephone”, the little cards of sentences or phrases written by Fr Kentenich on various occasions, which they could choose when they needed special inspiration or advice.’
In the meantime you can also get the FatherSayings on postcards – on a white or coloured background (in German, English and Spanish). You could start a group discussion with them … and much more …
Bring Fr Kentenich’s message into homes
FatherSayings, an initiative in the year of the Father Current, which had developed a dynamism of its own. A possibility to bring Fr Kentenich’s message into our present world and times, and the offer of a trendsetter for our homes.
“The saying on our wall (in the bathroom) has all sorts of effects …” reported Melanie Grauert, Switzerland. “One Monday my home help, who has been with me for years, remarked about the Saying: ‘Wow, it looks wonderful, I want one as well!’ She left with a brochure and today I received the order: for a wall in her dining room at home.”
FatherSayings: Production at full speed
In the middle of September, therefore, we had to produce FatherSayings at full speed. Young and old work as a team – some have become real specialists in one of the fields: plotting, cutting, weeding (removing excess material from vinyl graphics), “Rakeln” (smoothing), labelling, or packing – and with growing enthusiasm!
You can order the FatherSayings directly at http://schoenstatt-memhoelz.de/patersprueche or by email patersprueche@schoenstatt-memhoelz.de. They can also be bought from Schoenstatt-Verlag, Vallendar and are for sale in many Schoenstatt Centres in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Simply ask!
We are developing sales outlets and transport possibilities for countries outside Europe.
