GERMANY, Marianne Maier. According to Wikipedia, Saint Joseph has been on our calendar for eight centuries. A night vigil at our Original Shrine (Night at the Shrine) is already a scheduled summer program for the youth. Why not give our Father Kentenich a couple of days at the beginning of the year? This experiment was named -With Joseph days – Kentenich Days 2012.
Unfortunately, the legal holiday for the Feast of Saint Joseph was abolished in 1977. Then there was an idea to hold the retreat on the weekend before March 19, 2012, and to follow Father Kentenich’s footsteps with visionary strength. Should it be held every year? This is how four persons, who are passionate about Kentenich, developed ideas. Because: this Joseph fascinates me he moves me, he makes demands of me, and he enthuses me.
There are people who write entire books about him, and they study and study him. But, how do “normal people” access him? Does this father awaken your curiosity? The question moves us. How are the open and free proposals about our giant seen? What can we offer to interested people of this “complete package”? We are going to ask “experts” in Kentenich to open their “suitcases of Kentenich treasures.” The color, the personal touch, the road to the unique combination between Kentenich and me is touching…isn’t it?
To read about Kentenich also touches the sensitive fiber of the youth
Very quickly, some youth, who are committed to this subject met, but in a virtual way through JK@skype, or in the real world in reading circles in Freiburg, Munich, and Würsburg. Reading in common and sharing the text touches the sensitive fiber of the youth: this Kentenich has it! After working beneath the Kentenich star, around his person and his words, all of this gave me something that I can apply it to my own life. The Kentenich Days are no other than a framework to come into contact with others or simply to spend half a day at a Schoenstatt library. The Kentenich fans are attracted by this offer. Even experts about Kentenich support this work. Above all this is an offer for those who are interested and they can ask their questions without specific qualifications.
Preparation at lightning speed
Lydia, who currently lives in London and is the English leader of JK@skype, has already made her reservations and is joyful in anticipation; this is what she wrote: “it comes out of the pores”. I would like a night with a chimney, wine, fire and for this – a bottle of English whiskey will be in my suitcase. Why not?
It is a pleasant group “with frank questions, with interesting guests and with subjects that I always wanted to know.” The conversation takes off just as it will at the retreat. Father Heriberto King has already said YES to this. Has anyone read more about Kentenich than he?
On Saturday morning, the reading groups will be first. Georg is presently writing his thesis about “Voices of the times”. How appropriate to find texts about his current subject and to have a free exchange!
Dear readers, perhaps you are asking: What can I contribute? What will my program be? What is pending? Can I carry out Kentenich Days just as I like?
And of course: you are cordially invited!
Joseph Days – the invitation (as inspiration for your own Joseph Days)
Kentenich Days 2012
Kentenich fascinates, demands, moves and enthuses. Does this Father awaken your curiosity?
Are you interested in the person of Joseph Kentenich? Then, HERE you are the right place.
Seek, ask, read, listen, discuss, exchange, take shape, attend.
Take a day or more before the Feast of Saint Joseph with the motto: “just like I like it. You will enjoy the time with Joseph Kentenich. Besides this you will meet interesting people! Do you want to participate? PERFECT! Those who are interested in Joseph Kentenich are invited.
Date: March 16th-18th, 2012
Retreat site: Vallendar close to Koblenz
Self-sufficient Lodging at Saint Joseph House
Special accommodations will be at your own expense
Opportunity for partial participation
Totally open to your ideas, program offerings, petitions, contributions.
Contact and registration: marianne-maier@gmx.de
Team: Georg Zimmerer, Marianne Maier, Michaela Schnell and Sara Mohn.
“From a farmers’ almanac: If a Kentenich Day has been beautiful, then it will continue to be.
