The time of the Home Shrine is now

USA, mev. After intense preparations, the opening of the Home Shrine Congress took place on June 27^th at the International Schoenstatt Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA. More than 500 participants from 17 different countries “saved the date” in order to attend the Golden Jubilee celebration of the founding of the Home Shrine.

Everyone waited the opening with great expectation. The home shrine of the Yank family, blessed by Fr. Kentenich, could be seen on the stage. Pictures of hundreds of home shrines made visible the reality of the net of home shrines in connection with the Original and daughter shrines.

The procession started with the flags of the countries followed by the entrance of the Family Horn, carrying the Father Symbol for the Original Shrine. “We never planed to have the visit of the Father Symbol during the days of the congress… Father definitely wanted to be present for the celebration!” said one of the organizers of the Congress.

To hear Father Kentenich’s voice

Mike and Margaret Fenelon welcomed everyone and went over the events that led to the Congress – with a sense of surprise, joy and gratitude, not only for the response but also for the initiave for participating, “thank you Ecuador and Argentina, asking what we were going to do to celebrate the Home Shrine Jubilee because they wanted to come… they didn’t ask us if they were invited, but what we had planned because the wanted to come celebrate with us!” said Mike Fenelon, provoking everyone to laugh.

The opening words from Mike and Marge Fenelon were followed by the words of Fr. Kentenich’s talk on November 18^th 1963: “What I am about to say is of elementary importance for the future: everything which holds true for the Original Shrine and the daughter shrines also holds true for the home shrines.” After listening to the recording of Father’s words, one of the participants said: “How clear is Father’s voice at this moment! How important it is to hear Father’s voice!”

The Home Shrine – a gift for the Church

Joe and Judy Yank had the first talk of the Congress. In their talk they highlighted the timeliness of the Home Shrine as the response to all the difficulties that families face nowadays and how it has become in a fundamental aspect of the Covenant Culture.

Holy Mass followed. It was celebrated in English and Spanish and the Schoenstatt Youth choir contributed to the liturgy. Fr. Langsch was the main celebrant – accompanied by 11 priests – he spoke about three key aspects “that explain the meaning of living out of the graces of the home shrine: living constantly in the presence of God, the living shrine, family interwoveness of faith.”

Testimonies and gathering

The many pilgrims arrived very early on Friday morning. The morning developed between talks and testimonies and there were plenty of opportunities to share with friends and new acquaintances.

The testimonies of those who experienced the life flowing from the home shrine already in their early years notoriously impressed all who were present and many expressed their wish and longing to revitalize their own home shrines.

As the day came to an end, there was the first part of a “cultural festival.” Some delegations presented songs, videos, and pictures of their countries and spoke about the development of the Movement in them.

The weather forecast announced storms throughout the day, however it was a perfect sunny day and all could enjoy moments of deep encounter in the shadow of the (home) Shrine.

Congress Conferences

Judy and Joe Yank: The Time of the Home Shrine is now

PHOTOS

Home Shrine Congress