BRAZIL, Priscila Bernardo. Between December 17th and 18th, the Jaraguá Schoenstatt Girl’s Youth celebrated the closing of 2011.
It began with the best news they could have received. They had already decided to crown the Blessed Mother as Queen of Jaraguá with the Regina Thrice Admirable (RTA) crown at this final meeting of 2011. Sister Ana Maria had promised them the crown that they would receive as a gift in Madrid, and she brought it to them. The surprise came in the form of a gift that Anita, one of the first members of the Federation who lives in Santa Maria, RS, made to the Jaraguá Girls Youth. In a black box first delivered to Sister Dina and then to Sister Ana Maria, there was a crown that most likely had been in the hands of the Founder, with a request: to deliver it to the Girls’ South of Jaraguá at an opportune moment. And that opportune moment was this December 17th, the day they received this beautiful crown. So this is how the Girls` Youth of Jaraguá received two crowns. Therefore they decided to crown the Queen with Anita’s gift and keep the crown Sister Ann Maria brought to crown another image in their house… another time!
A review of 2011
After receiving this news, they did a review of the year 2011, marked by many events: Opening of the year, Holy Week Retreat, work with the Apostles, RTA Day, World Youth Day, RTA Meeting in Madrid, WYD Vigil, Experiencing the Cross, the Father Symbol Visit, Bota Fe (opening of the preparation for WYD 2013 in Brazil), presentation of the group ideal, and to wrap it all up on December 18th, they chose new Branch leaders.
They also remembered the 80th year Jubilee of the Girls` Youth and 40th year of the Girls’ Youth of Jaraguá. Two phrases that stood out to everyone in the history of the Girls Youth: “God saves an entire people by the pure who sacrifice” and “where do you want me to be, or what do you want me to do.”
Living Crown
They had two members, who were leaders from their 40 years’ history, Celia and Sandra, who today are moms of young people who are in today’s Girls Youth. They were able to see how things once were here and saw how all this contributed to their Branch enabling them to get to celebrate this Jubilee.
After the visit, it was time to get ready and to assemble in a special place: across from the Shrine, under the gaze of the MTA and the Founding Father. After dinner, the big moment came: IT WAS TIME TO CROWN THEIR QUEEN!
“I have brought you my crown, and I offer it to you … my heart is bleeding while giving it to you. During all these years, this Crown was on the Mother of God’s head over my bed, even when I was in the concentration camp. A small costly gift… But I want to crown with it your diocese, want to crown the Schoenstatt Youth of Muenster. It is a beautiful RTA crown!” (Father Joseph Kentenich, to the Girls`Youth from Münster, Germany, when offering them the original RTA crown).
After asking for forgiveness, they reflected on the idea that they are a LIVING CROWN, with each person as a part of this Crown symbolized in their capital of grace. They expressed their gratitude in giving such a crown to their dear Queen.
The election of leaders
After the coronation, it was time to rest and to prepare for another special moment: the leaders’ election.
Leticia Moreira was chosen unanimously as Branch president. The election of vice-president was more challenging: there were three voting rounds and finally as a sign of Divine Providence, Leticia’s sister, Ann Maria Moreira, was chosen as vice-president.
Everyone gave them their “thank you very much”. Dear Dani, Shirley, and Ju, we are grateful for the beautiful work that you did in 2011. Letty and Anita: we are with you!
