Another Covenant of Love strengthens the Schoenstatt Family in Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE, Marlene Peters. February 21 was another special day in the history of our Zimbabwe Schoenstatt Family. Once again they were privileged to witness a Covenant of Love consecration sealed between a member of the Schoenstatt Movement and the Mother Thrice Admirable. This took place at Sheila Coleman’s home where the “altar shrine” – the altar for a future Shrine – is, during a beautiful, Holy Spirit–filled Mass.

After several months of dedicated preparation, Niel Petersen sealed his Covenant of Love with the Blessed Mother. Rev. Fr. Kizito Kiyimba S.J. was the celebrant. After the entrance hymn, “Holy God We Praise Thy Name,” Fr. Kiyimba, in his introduction said, that one of the things he had come to understand about Schoenstatt was that it is an apostolic movement, and that it wants to bring the Church to the home, the family with Mary. Last year he had been in Cape Town and stayed at Schoenstatt Constantia. He really enjoyed meeting the sisters and became acquainted with the Shrine. He is hoping to return in the near future. He belongs to the Legion of Mary, considers himself a Child of Mary.

Taking the role of Mary seriously

In his homily Fr. Kizito said he that what he had grasped in his brief encounter with Schoenstatt was that Schoenstatt takes seriously the role of Mary. We should strive to be a friend of Mary, be close to her. We are sent out with the assurance of our Mother Mary. Referring to the reading, he said, as a young Jewish girl Mary would have known about Esther from the Torah, how Esther asked for God’s help before she went to face the enemy. We should do the same. That is, always ask God’s help, seeking the words/actions that may be needed in any encounter we would have to face. Remember God has preceded us there. We, like Moses, would be on ‘Holy Ground’, and we should ‘Take off your shoes.’ In our prayer, remember God is among us, with us.

The new Israel

Niel was asking to be received into membership of the Schoenstatt Family. Remember, God’s blessing brings responsibility. He is being sent, as we all are. Another responsibility is to treat others as we would want them to treat us. This was Jesus’ Golden rule. We should keep Esther’s prayer in our hearts. We are all chosen, the Children of Faith, the new Israel. We have the verse from the responsorial psalm to remember, “On the day I called, you answered. You increased the strength of my soul.” To end Fr. Kizito said, “Always begin, proceed, and end in God.” We belong to a family which has the Mother of God as our mother.

I consecrate to you this day… my entire self without reserve

The Covenant of Love Rite followed, which is such a beautiful prayer of dedication. All were moved by it and felt as if they were included in all that was said. They heard again the words of the Founding Document:”Do not worry about the fulfilment of your desire. I love those who love me.” Also Fr. Kentenich’s, “I firmly believe that no one will be lost who remains faithful to the covenant of love.” The covenant medal and candle were blessed, and all joined in at the end to renew the covenant of love, praying, My Queen, my Mother….. Holy mass continued with the offertory as all sang “I the Lord of Sea and Sky”, followed by Communion, the hymn, ‘Be Still and Know that I am God,’ and the solemn blessing. Then all sang, Immaculate Mary, and finally processed down the passage to the shrine room singing, “Enfold us in thy Mantle,” to say “Thank you” to the Mother Thrice Admirable.

Happy birthday!

Niel had just turned sixty on the 19 February, and so a double celebration was in order. He treated us to a delicious meal and a big chocolate birthday cake of note! No serious Schoenstatt event goes without a good shared treat afterwards in true family style!

“I believe the trend we have begun, of having new Covenant of Love Consecrations and renewing of ones made in previous years, as well as many contributions to the Capital of Grace, will make a fitting gift when we celebrate Schoenstatt Centenary in 2014.”