USA, Carlos Cantú. Five hundred plus pilgrims made the three-hour trip to the Confidentia Shrine in Rockport/Lamar, Texas on Sunday, May 20, 2012. The pilgrims came from the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas. Over the years, it has become an annual tradition to make the pilgrimage in the month of May.
Grateful, joyful pilgrims gathered around the Confidentia Shrine at 10:15 A.M. to greet Blessed Mother. This event in Texas is not complete without the singing of the “Mañanitas.” In the Texas-Mexican tradition, “Las Mañanitas” is a type of birthday song; however, it is not only sung on birthdays, it is sung on special occasions as well. On some occasions, it is sung in the early morning to awaken the celebrated person with song. It is a loving and tender gesture for the person on their nameday, birthday, or other special occasion day. Often it is done in the form of a serenade; for example, on Mothers’ Day, many mothers awaken to the singing of the mañanitas. It is a joyful experience, and it is only fitting that our Heavenly Mother is greeted with this song of tenderness and love. This year, Sr. M. Heidi’s lovely guitar music was enhanced with the melodic sounds of the accordian. Our very own, Mr. Gilbert Prado from La Feria, Texas, joyfully accompanied the guitar with his accordian. It was a joyful sound unto the Lord!
Thanking for the miracles experienced
After the greeting at the Shrine, everyone proceeded to the training center for the talks, one in English and one in Spanish. Our very own Msgr. Gustavo Barrera from Our Lady of Sorrows parish in McAllen, Texas, gave the talk in English. We are always especially happy when our Bishop or another priest from our diocese accompanies us on our pilgrimage. Schoenstatt Father, Fr. Christian Christensen, provided the talk in Spanish. Everyone was delighted with both talks.
Holy Mass began at 11:30 A.M. Msgr. Barrera and Fr. Christian concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration. Also enhancing the celebration was the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign’s Auxiliary for the Diocese of Brownsville and several Pilgrim images of our Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt. The power of our Blessed Mother through the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign is most evident through the dedication of many of the coordinators who always bring along the Pilgrim MTA’s which they are circulating among the homes of so many. SHE WILL WORK MIRACLES, and many come to our Confidentia Shrine to thank Blessed Mother for the miracles they are experiencing in their homes, families, and communities.
“Our very own Schoenstatt Shrine”
After the homily, it is our custom to offer our Blessed Mother a crown, and we always crown her with a different title. In addition to it being the year of the Shrine current, we have begun discussions – in the Diocese of Brownsville – on the possibility of constructing our very own Schoenstatt Shrine. Of course, at this time, we do not where or when this will be, but we have decided to begin the spiritual construction of our Shrine, demonstrating to our Blessed Mother that we take this endeavor most seriously and that we want to draw Her to us through our prayers and sacrifices. Our prayers and sacrifices will be the foundation of our future Shrine, and all who participate in the spiritual construction will have a special attachment to Blessed Mother in her future Shrine. In reverent silence and solemnity, the crown was brought up while everyone expressed in their hearts their thanksgiving, petitions, and offerings. After some moments of silent recollection, everyone recited the following prayer:
Dear Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt: Your children from the Brownsville Diocese come today to thank you for the many graces and blessings you have bestowed on us during this past year. We also bring you anew the many needs , intentions and concerns which we carry in our hearts. Dear Blessed Mother, as we go toward the great 2014 Jubilee, and in this year in which we acknowledge your special presence in our Schoenstatt Shrines throughout the world, we entrust to you our desire to build your Schoenstatt Shrine in our diocese. Blessed Mother, we believe you want to dwell among us in your Shrine. We need you, Mother. We love you, Mother. We do not know when or where our Shrine will be built, but we now offer you our prayers and sacrifices for the spiritual construction of your Shrine. We offer you a crown today for this special intention, and in one voice we crown you …..QUEEN OF OUR SHRINE!
Renewed commitment
Shouts of joy and applause filled the auditorium, and smiling faces expressed the great love for Blessed Mother. Holy Mass continued and Jesus was received in Holy Communion with heartfelt petitions of love, gratitude and petition.
After Holy Mass, everyone sought a shady and peaceful place for their picnic lunches. At 2 PM, the Shrine was filled with Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign Coordinators who were renewing their commitment/commission and by several who were commissioned to begin their apostolate with the Pilgrim MTA.
At 2:30 PM, everyone gathered again in the auditorium for Rosary and Benediction. Msgr. Barrera also went among the people blessing the many religious articles purchased that day. As is our custom, each pilgrim received a small memento. This year it was a small picture of our Schoenstatt Shrine, a fitting remembrance for the Year of the Shrine Current and our prayerful intention of constructing our very own Schoenstatt Shrine in the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas.
