PARAGUAY, María Luz Fleitas. Covenant Day – February 18th – was joyfully and enthusiastically celebrated in the Youth Shrine of Asunción. Just like every 18th since the beginning of the triennium in preparation for 2014, the Family gathered with smiling faces showing how good it feels to be close to the beloved Mother Thrice Admirable for the monthly renewal of the covenant sealed by Father Joseph Kentenich and his students.
There was a strong storm during the day, but it cleared by the time the Holy Mass was to begin. The large encounter with the Queen was experienced with that spirit that manifests the exhortation, the “ ‘nothing without you, nothing without us’ that was valid a hundred years ago is also valid here in the Youth Shrine.”
The common thread of the pilgrimage toward 2014 is the Eucharist of every 18th. The Family comes to the Shrine with their Covenant candles, and before the consecration they light them from the triennium candle. Then they pray the pilgrimage prayer, and the capital of grace is burned. They are tokens of love expressed month after month, always waiting anew for the day of graces and the MTA’s blessings in the Shrine. The National Team 2014 is in charge of organizing the Mass every 18th.
Every branch and every community offers their share for the celebration
On this day, the Family Branch carried out their first meeting of the year for the community of leaders. The Rosary Campaign officially manifested in joining the large celebration of the 18th by leading the Holy Rosary with everyone before the Mass. It was noticeable how all hearts were beating in unison for the Schoenstatt Kingdom.
The Mothers’ Branch (Apostolic League) offered adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before the Mass of the 18th; the Mothers’ Federation was in charge of the welcome and the members from the different branches collaborated so that the Blessed Mother’s celebration was heartily experienced.
Team 2014 motivated everyone: “As the centenary generation, we are incorporated into the missionary current! What is your missionary gesture of the day, of the week, of the month? Tell the Blessed Mother and place it in the jar of the Youth Shrine, it will be included in the burning of the capital of grace next 18th!
English translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, Texas
