SOUTH AFRICA, Sarah-Leah Pimentel. The Schoenstatt Family in Johannesburg celebrated a powerful October Weekend as it ushered in the year of the Shrines. From 6-9 October the Schoenstatt members delved deep into their own history and our common Schoenstatt history in discovering the gift of our Shrine.
Singing and much joy
The Movement, united around the Aurum Patris (Gold of the Father) Shrine, was very blessed to welcome Fr. Pedro Kühlcke who brought his own experiences of the life of the Shrine in Tupãrenda, Paraguay. So, the weekend involved lots of singing and much joy. In less than 24 hours after finding our 2011-2012 motto, Fr Pedro had set it to music!
The gift of the Shrine
As the International Schoenstatt Family enters its second year of spiritual preparation for 2014, the focus shifted toward our greatest gift – the Shrine. In his talks, Fr. Pedro reminded the participants of the graces of the shrine as well as its ‘secret’ – the place where the Blessed Mother “whispers in a special way” and where she educates us and our families.
Those present examined the daughter shrines and their special role in the evangelization of our local communities. Here the Family also looked at the history of the Aurum Patris shrine. Through photographs and the stories told by the men and women who helped to conquer and build the shrine with their own hands, everyone felt once again what a treasure the Shrine in Johannesburg has been for many people across this wide and culturally diverse city. It was also with joy that the Family revived the “Builders’ Song,” initially composed to encourage the builders in 1975.
The Family was reminded of the importance of home shrines and heart shrines as the only way to overcome the storms of everyday life and to renew our families. Fr. Pedro emphasized the importance of BEING heart shrines and an ever growing awareness that we are also God bearers. This should be our starting principle in our relationships with God and with others.
United in hope and joy we ‘rebuild’ the shrine
Filled with all of these impulses, the Aurum Patris Family took some time to formulate the motto for 2011-2012 – “United in hope and joy we ‘rebuild’ the shrine.”
The words were inspired by an increasing desire for greater unity within the local and International Schoenstatt Family. Hope and joy echoes the Church’s initiative in South Africa, called Hope&Joy, to revive an awareness of the continued legacy of the Second Vatican Council. The Family wants to spiritually ‘rebuild’ the shrine by deepening the life of the branches. The Family was particularly encouraged by Fr. Pedro to “start new groups” as a way to rebuild our shrine.
Welcoming a new member
No October Weekend could be complete without renewing the Covenant of Love and welcoming a long-time cooperator into the heart of the Family. Faith Matsala has belonged to the Pilgrim Mother groups for many years and has been tireless in bringing many people to the Shrine. With joyful celebration, the Blessed Mother accepted her Consecration while her friends and new Family gave thanks for the gift of Faith.
Continued prayers for those who have passed into eternal life
Despite the many joys of the weekend, everyone felt the glaring absence of Tish Holding who passed into eternal life very suddenly on 11 September. With Tish’s wonderful organisational skills, the October Weekends in past years often ran so smoothly that many did not see the work that went into preparing everything. This year, as everyone ran around trying to help out as best they could, Tish’s absence was deeply felt – especially her big laugh. The Aurum Patris Family continues to pray for her soul and for the more immediate needs of her family who lost a wife, a mother, a friend.
Just to add a little comment to Terry’s – it was so lovely to hear about the Johannesburg shrine. At the same time as you were having your conference we were gathering at ours in Mulgoa, New South Wales, Australia. We would love to keep in contact and share news – we, too, are ‘building families around the shrine’ towards building a better world as we approach 2014 – we join with everyone in South Africa in our Covenant of Love.
I was one of the men who built the Bedfordview Shrine and the days are very happily remembered. From the initial shoke of the building inspector who thought we were building an atomic shelter (due to the thickness of the walls!), to the final completion of the painting, it was a time of real joy and community building. Whilst Pat and I have lived in the shadow of the Shrine here in Mulgoa, Sydney since 1980, That period following the opening on 18th October 1975 after its completion, when a building was converted into a Shrine, was a time of "conversion" for us and a time of "deepening" our Covenant of Love originally entered into in Constantia. It was particularly pleasing to see the picture of my long time friend, Sr Edith. God Bless you all.
The Bedfordview Shrine holds a very special place in the hearts of our Zimbabwe Schoenstatt Family.It is the cradle of our beginnings, the place we called "Home"even after we had received our own altar. We will always be grateful to the family there for always welcoming us, and especially to Sister Edith who sent two ‘apostles’Norman and Sybil Macdonald, back to Zimbabwe in 1977 to start the movement here.