ROME, F. Michael Gerber. Many things affect us these days; our thoughts turn to Rome and towards the Holy Father and to all those who, in this transcendental time, have a responsibility in the Church. This is a challenge for us: to concretize our gratitude and request. May this original proposal help us in this.
It is more than mere coincidence, that the place where Pope Benedict will live–the convent, Mater Ecclesiae in the Vatican Gardens, has the same name as the Schoenstatt shrine, Matri Ecclesiae. Our Mother will take care from the shrine.
Connected to the Schoenstatt Shrines in Rome
The Holy Father is conscious of the importance of the Roman shrines. He visited Cor Ecclesiae Shrine, several times when he was still a cardinal, and he even celebrated the Eucharist there! He knows that many people from there offer their prayers and their work for the service of the Church, and more concretely, to his service.
The present pope was one of the first pilgrims who arrived at Belmonte after the blessing.
And when the bishop, Gino Reali, or Archbishop Sanna met with the pope years later, he would always ask them: How is the construction of Belmonte going?
That was also the first question he asked when he was introduced to the new rector of the International Center, Stephan Müller last December.
Also under construction is the Vatican building with the name Mater Ecclesiae which is being prepared for our Holy Father.
Dilexit Ecclesiam
As the Schoenstatt family, we know from experience that these kind of foundations require spiritual support. In the sense of “dilexit ecclesiam” of our Father, we are requested to assume co-responsibility for the construction of Mater Ecclesiae. How shall we carry this out?
The people-in-charge of the Roman shrines are inviting the worldwide Schoenstatt Family to send, up to the 28th of February, small personal experiences (the Belmonte rector´s e-mail is, rettore@roma-belmonte.info):
- Why do I/ do we want to give thanks? What experience has united me/or us to Pope Benedict?
- What is my/our petition in this time of radical change?
- What is my/our contribution to the capital of graces, so that the cardinals’ decision will be guided by the Holy Spirit?
Contributions can be anonymous
A token of gratitude and solidarity
All personal accounts shall be compiled in one single document. Representatives of the local Family of Schoenstatt will offer them in one simple ceremony, to the Blessed Virgin in the shrine of Belmonte on the weekend after the resignation (more information, in short, at www.schoenstatt.org). This way we spiritually go on a pilgrimage to Rome and once again we offer, our availability to our Mother Church.
Perhaps these personal testimonies will find their way to the Mater Ecclesiae house in the Vatican. Until then they will be deposited in a special place called the cubicle of documents in the foundation of our shrine, Matri Ecclesiae.
On Sunday, the 17th of February, there will be a time of prayer for the Holy Father in the Cor Ecclesiae Shrine. Everyone allover the world is cordially invited!
My gift for the Church – an e-mail to Belmonte
Comments to this article will equally show our Covenant Solidarity to the Church as family of Schoenstatt. All comments and articles that appear here until the resignation of Benedict XVI shall be brought to Belmonte as well.
Original: German. English translation: Kohnie Valderrama, Madrid, Spain
