ARGENTINA, Marinés and Mario Martínez. In Paraná, the capital of Entre Rios Province, the Schoenstatt Family once again committed to “row into the sea” of Family Missions, taking the message of hope and joy of living Christ’s Gospel and the love of the Blessed Mother to the communities living in Brugo, Piragua and Puerto Vibora (the last two are extensive rural colonies).
More than ninety missionaries stayed at a nearby school for six days. God’s providence allowed them to stay there because the students are boarders, and during the semester, they board on weekdays. So there is a large kitchen, dining hall, and dormitories that offer a certain level of comfort.
They visited all the families and institutions, taking the Pilgrim Mother with them, organized catechesis and activities for the children, talks for the adults, Mass, a living nativity. One of the important sessions included a Mass on the riverbank celebrated by the Archbishop of Paraná, Archbishop Juan Alberto Puíggari, followed by a group meeting with the youth of the community and the missionaries.
Perfect Ending: Four Baptisms
The presence of the three priests who accompanied the mission was not only a very important bonus for the community, which does not have a permanent priest, but also for the missionaries.
In an atmosphere of joy and brotherhood, the perfect ending for the missions was the four baptisms celebrated with the area’s families before the closing Mass.
As always the great Missionary worked miracles in the lives of those participating in the mission as well as the missionaries, who returned to the Shrine renewed and full of gratitude to live the final Mass of the mission, giving testimony to those who welcomed them after having returned filled with the Spirit, spreading joy and renewed faith.
All that is left to say is to thank all the people who accompanied this apostolate with their prayers and gave spiritual and material support for the success of the 2012 Family Missions.
Translation: M. Peña-Janknegt, USA
