ARGENTINA, Claudia Irusta de Lell. On April 25th, a group of missionaries from Crespo visited Aldea Santa Rosa, which is four kilometers from Crespo, where a community of German descent from Volga lives. They work in the fields.
Father Juan Frank says: “Santa Rosa is another world; there one breathes green, nature, peace, tranquility.” The older people are of German descent from Volga, and they speak a German dialect that has been transmitted to their children and grandchildren. In fact, the word “Schoenstatt” sounds different when it is said by them, perhaps this is one of the reasons they love the Virgin so much especially the Blessed Mother.
A wayside shrine, center of life
But this love is not new; in December 2000, a beautiful wayside shrine was blessed with much effort and dedication; it has a life of its own. The women of the place walk to it on the 18th of every month to offer a meditated rosary and to offer their gratitude and petitions. Because of their work and obligations, it is difficult for them to join the group of missionaries from Crespo. For this reason, they decided to come to this place to organize a Mass, to carry out the ceremony of renewal of the missionary commitment, and to even commission a “little Pilgrim MTA” that the little girls will take to their school mates.
Truly, the Blessed Mother finds a way of integrating and bringing her children together. After the religious celebration that was as simple as the people in this place, but which was very touching, they hosted them with a snack that was shared joyfully. It was a time to converse, exchange experiences and testimonies, and to share the love that they have for their Mother.
A tote with the Covenant of Love Jubilee logo
There were gifts: the little girls received a card with a quotation and a coin, and the ladies received a hand painted tote with the Covenant of Love Jubilee logo. They were excited and very grateful for the visit, and they have already begun to organize the next meeting with them.
“Thank you Mother for these small experiences that you give us daily. These are simple, but very important moments in the life the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign that give us the satisfaction to truly feel the brotherhood/sisterhood of the faith; that we are fulfilling our mission that gives us the impetus to continue forward and to feel that we are on pilgrimage from here toward 2014 with these deeds like these.”
Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX: English translation
