MTA crowned “Queen of Africa” in Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE, Marlene Peter. The preparation for the annual crowning of the Blessed Mother began in March with a nine week crowning novena. This would be the 32^nd time she was crowned “Queen of Africa.”  This was a birthday gift to Fr. Kentenich in 1985 for his 100^th birthday – the promise to crown the MTA each year on May 31^st.  The decision made this year was to celebrate the crowning Mass in Sheila Coleman’s home, where the Shrine Room is. Last year the same was done and new members were added to our Schoenstatt family. Rev. Fr. Paul Edwards S.J. was the celebrant.  The preparations included distributing invitations, arranging the Mass, and printing the words of the Mass along with hymns to be sung, flowers to decorate the Shrine, and organizing transport for those who lived far away, refreshments, etc.  All was ready when there was a power outage (half expected), so there were candles and lanterns on hand. Soon after 6 pm, people began to arrive and the lounge, dining room, and front verandah were filled to capacity (over sixty people.) Optimism had paid off!

Shining with Christ’s light

Holy Mass began with the hymn, “Praise my soul the King of Heaven.” The readings at Mass were for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the readings, psalm, and gospel, namely, Romans 12: 9 –16, Psalm 95 and Luke 1: 39–56 were so beautiful.  In his homily, Fr. Edwards said,  “Mary was there to help Elizabeth and noted that simple, practical help was always important. The first reading, St Paul’s letter to the Romans, gives them a pattern for living, which is direct guidance for us. Mary came from an ordinary, simple home in Nazareth, and we were encouraged to meditate on her, our Mother and Queen, there to inspire and lead us.” Fr. Edwards also referred to the Holy Father’s letter on Hope, and one of the greetings addressed to our Lady, calling her “Star of the Sea.”   In it he says life is like a voyage on the sea – often dark and stormy. Stars are needed to light the way. True stars are people who shine with Christ’s light. Mary was just such a person. With her “Yes,” she opened the door to God himself, and he ‘pitched His Tent’ among us. Part of the closing prayer from that letter was also read.

Crowned “Queen of Africa”

Many bidding prayers followed, which touched on so many aspects of everyone’s lives, prayers of petition and many of thanksgiving. Then the Crowning ceremony began with candles lit and Father Edward’s opening prayer, “Descend Mary, descend here…” Every country in Africa was included, “Queen of ___: Algeria, Angola, Benin and Botswana, (Response) “Accept our homage and love.” The list was prayed alphabetically, until “Queen of Zimbabwe,” then the crown was carried in procession into the Shrine room and placed on the head of the Mother Thrice Admirable picture while singing “Queen of Africa” the crowning hymn that was composed in 1980 by Fr. Carey S.J. for the first crowning. As we came back and Holy Mass continued, the power came back on, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist began, everyone receiving Jesus, and ended on a very joyful high note with the hymns “Enfold us in Thy Mantle” and “We Crown you Maria Viva.” All were so happy that the expectations of attendance were surpassed – the Queen of Africa’s guests, there to crown her again with hope and love.

In Her Majesty’s capable hands

The evening ended with welcome mugs of soup, tea, and coffee along with other food. People went into the Shrine room to sit and pray a while, especially those who were there for the first time. Among those attending were Norman and Sybil Macdonald who first brought Schoenstatt to Zimbabwe in 1977 with the urging and guidance of Sr. Edith Raidt. They brought some of the orphans they now take care of at St. Marcelline’s Children’s Village, and some Carmelite Sisters who assist them.  Everyone went home with the knowledge that the continent of Africa is in our Queen and Mother’s capable hands. She has done much and has much to do.