USA, Rosemary Wensel. It wasn’t just an ordinary Tuesday in Chattanooga; THIS evening was extra-special! Our “Father” came to rest with us awhile. The Father symbol – on world pilgrimage in preparation for the jubilee 2014 – was graciously received by Sandy Leffew of Tennessee from Ana Culverhouse of Georgia on November 5, 2013 at St. Jude Catholic Church. It was the pinnacle moment when all of the Tennessee groups’ prayers, novenas, capitals of grace, and preparation efforts came to fruition, embracing the Father symbol with warm and overflowing hearts.
Celebration of Fatherhood
The Father Eye lay majestically cradled in the presence of our precious Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration for a Holy Hour. Our Celebration of Fatherhood had officially begun! In a chapel filled to capacity, we reflected prayerfully on the Catholic and Schoenstatt understanding of Fatherhood, shared a Rosary of God’s Instruments From our heavenwards prayer booklet , and lifted up our hearts and voices in praise to Abba, Father. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass followed with Fr. Charlie Burton as our Celebrant, whose homily only enhanced the call to instrumentality and mission of the Body in Christ, through the “gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” (Rom 12: 5-7) Those present were invited to encircle the Father Eye in groups and offer prayers of thanksgiving and praise for all God, Our Father, has done and will continue to do in our lives as men/fathers, women/mothers, and children. The mass truly resonated with the spirit and joy of the Responsorial, “In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.” (PS 131: 1bcde, 2,3)
Our time with the Father Symbol
The evening concluded with a video presentation by Fr. Langsch explaining the significance of the Father Symbol and a talk by the leaders on our Father and Founder, Joseph Kentenich, and his charism for Holy Mother Church. The members of Schoenstatt Tennessee will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have this visit with the Father Symbol. While we extend our sincere thanks to all those who made this graced event possible, we want to particularly recognize Sister Marie Day, who was very instrumental in assisting our group, through our leader, Ana Culverhouse, with the necessary resources and direction for our time with the Father symbol.
May the graces and blessings we receive from our formation by Fr. Kentenich on Fatherhood and under the guidance and care of Our Mother Thrice Admirable result in boundless fruitful expressions of love. In childlikeness let us continually strive to become mirror images of Christ himself, for our Church and for the world. “Father, we will never forget you.”
Schoenstatt in Tennessee
Schoenstatt in Tennessee has its home at the parish of St. Jude Catholic Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee (TN). We are primarily a Ladies League, however, all are welcome. We are a growing, vibrant group which first met in December 2007 under the leadership of Atlanta, Georgia Schoenstatter, Ana Culverhouse, and the guidance of Schoenstatt Sr. Marie Day. Several members have made their Covenant of Love, we were instrumental in producing the Home Shrine DVD series featuring Sr. Marie Day, and currently we have a second group in formation for their Covenant of Love.
For additional information, please contact either Rosemary Wensel, rwensel5@epbfi.com or Ann Ayala, amayala1234@yahoo.com.
