ROME/AUSTRALIA, mda. It all started with Fr Denis Foley, of the Institute of Diocesan priests in Australia, when he was asked to help with the English version of the new websites for Belmonte, www.offerta.roma-belmonte.info and www.roma-belmonte.info. Translating a text that invited the countries to decorate “their” rooms in the Domus Pater Kentenich at Belmonte with a typical cross, an MTA picture and another image that represents their country and culture, set Fr Denis afire … and so Australia became the first country to answer the call with an aboriginal cross, an MTA picture with unique Australian flower carved on it and a collage of the Australian Shrines.
“I wanted to fire up the Australian Schoenstatt Family for the mission of the Matri Ecclesiae Shrine. I asked for suggestions. There was an aboriginal push. The choice of an aboriginal cross for Belmonte was immediate and unanimous.
Instead of selecting an MTA picture, the family wanted to pursue the aboriginal theme, suggesting that the aboriginal Madonna from Darwin Cathedral be chosen. However, because it was not an MTA picture we instead chose a frame with a unique Australian flower carved on it. The Schoenstatt family on the mailing list was asked to vote on a representative symbol and they selected a collage of the Australian Shrines and Ayers Rock,” Fr. Denis Foley shares.
The aboriginal cross
Aboriginal crosses contain contemporary and traditional symbols, they come in a variety of colours, and no two crosses are the same. As a result they often take a long time to make.
“I do not know how long it will take to get. An aborigine once said to a priest “I will do it straight away for you Father, one of these days. No problem.” The house in Belmonte will also only be ready to receive visitors “one of these days”. But once visitors or pilgrims will stay in the room bearing the name “Australia”, they will see this beautiful cross that tells the story of aboriginal Australia and Christ who does not overlook cultures but becomes part of each culture in order to lead all of his brothers and sisters homeward to the Father.
“This cross is so beautiful that if ever I come to Belmonte, I want to book the Australian Room”, one of the collaborators of Schoenstatt.org said, only to continue: “And I am wondering which cross our country will chose…”
More Information on the “rooms of the nations” here.
