GERMANY, mev. “Do whatever He tells you.” With this motto, six young women received the dress of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary on August 25th. This act marks – in an exterior and visible way – the beginning of their life in this Secular Institute.
A festive atmosphere surrounded Mount Schoenstatt already the evening before the reception. Family and friends of the novices gathered at the Father Kentenich House. Here a vigil took place with songs and prayer and a presentation with pictures that narrated how each of the young women had arrived at this decision. At the end of the vigil, all the attendants where invited to write a message and put it in a jar that the novices would receive as a gift during the following days.
They radiated joy
A few minutes before 10 a.m., many were waiting along the way between the Novitiate House and the Adoration Church. When the doors of the house were opened, the novices came out wearing their bridal dresses, with smiles that they couldn’t contain and an irrepressible and contagious joy.
Holy Mass started as the novices walked into the church Fr. Biberger – Director General of the Sisters, presided. Fr. Antonio Bracht and Fr. Michael Marmann were among the concelebrants. The Sisters’ choir – under the direction of Sr. Tabea – was in charge of the musical arrangements.
“Only in the light of faith”
At the beginning of the celebration, Fr. Biberger welcomed everyone, especially the families of the novices who came from five different countries. He thanked their parents for their generosity and for accompanying their daughters as they begin this new path.
“How can such a decision be understood in today’s world? A decision like this can be understood only in the light of faith in God. Without this faith in a God that sets his gaze on each person and that guides each one in a very personal way, we could not understand how there are people that choose a way of virginal consecration. The decision of these six young women is a proof of their faith in the fact that they have been called by God to follow this way of life.” Said Fr. Biberger in his homily.
A new name, a new Family, a new grace…
The rite began after the homily. Sr. M. Aleja – Superior General of the Community – read the names of the new sisters: Sr. M. Glenda and Sr. M. Nancy from Mexico, Sr. M. Alisia from Vietnam, Sr. Heike-Maria from Germany, Sr. M. Cheryl from the Philippines and Sr. M. Sarah from South Africa.
A group of Philippine Sisters and guests from Vietnam sang songs in their respective languages. The Sisters’ choir intervened as well with songs in German and Spanish. After a few minutes, the novices returned to the Church, wearing the longed-for dress, among nervous smiles and everyone’s excitement.
After the Mass, all went in a procession to the Mariengarten Shrine on Mount Schoenstatt. There the novices greeted the MTA with songs and prayers. All those present had the opportunity to greet them and express their congratulations. This day will certainly remain in the hearts and minds of many.
