BRAZIL, Ana Maria Pretto and Sr. M. Denise Mendes Ternes. The 20th of July holds special significance for the Schoenstatt Family in the Archdiocese of Porto Alegre. The Schoenstatt Movement met in the shadow of the Tabor Maria Cor Ecclesiae Shrine to celebrate and give thanks for 28 years of the Mother Thrice Admirable’s presence in the shrine.
It was an afternoon of praise and gratitude on a day in which the sun shining brightly did justice to this Jubilee year. The liturgy began at 15.30 with the solemn entrance procession led by the official flags and followed by representatives of the different branches of the Movement. Fr. Roque Machado was the main celebrant while Fr. Guiliano Knne Pires and Romeu Maldaner concelebrated, assisted by Deacon Sapata, altar server Bruno and the Tabor Maria Cor Ecclesiae Choir provided the music.
Gift of the Schoenstatt Family in Porto Alegre
After Mass, everyone processed to the gardens around the Shrine. Fr. Joseph Kentenich, founder of the Movement, ‘welcomed’ everyone with open hands. The impressive statue monument is the gift of the Schoenstatt Family in Porto Alegre, offered as a gesture of gratitude to the Blessed Mother and Queen, to future generations. Visitors to the Schoenstatt Shrine in Porto Alegre will now be able to observe the three points of contact in our Covenant of Love.
A heart of red roses was placed at Father’s feet, while many little flags fluttered in the wind and a giant heart shape made of 100 candles circled our father and founder. Valmir and Nara Duarte, the Diocesan Council heads, together with Sr. Denise – representing the Schoenstatt Sisters – unveiled the plaque commemorating the event. The priests then gave their solemn blessing.
Father, we go with you! Your Covenant our mission!
Everyone placed a paper heart into the urn next to Fr. Kentenich’s statue, a symbol of trust that they were giving their heart shrine, and with it, their struggles and victories, sufferings and joys, offering everything as a gift of love for the Capital of Grace.
Taking up the phrase “Father, we go with you! Your Covenant our mission,” they sealed their commitment to the Schoenstatt mission that our founder took up 100 years ago and today his Schoenstatt Family takes up the call to lead Schoenstatt into its second century.
The beautiful ceremony came to an end amidst the ringing of the shrine bells, waving flags and the strains of the Jubilee Hymn, thus sealing the certainty that this generation was, is and WILL BE PART OF THIS HISTORY!
Tea and cake were served in the Fr. Kentenich Hall in an atmosphere of great congeniality and socializing. And of course, the traditional singing of “Happy Birthday!”
Translated from the Portuguese by Sarah-Leah Pimentel, South Africa
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