New Wayside Shrine Dedicated in the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas

TEXAS, USA, Carlos Cantú. November 18^th, 2014, will be a special day forever to the parishioners of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco, Texas. The sixth Wayside Shrine of the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt was dedicated on this day in the Diocese of Brownsville. It was noted that fifty years earlier on October 18, 1964, marking the 50^th anniversary of the founding of the Schoenstatt Movement, the first MTA Wayside Shrine in the Brownsville Diocese was dedicated on the parish grounds of St. Francis Xavier Church in La Feria, Texas. Father Carlos Zúñiga, pastor of St. Pius X Church and an ardent Schoenstatt supporter, was the instrument used for making this new Wayside Shrine a reality.

Carlos and Elizabeth Cantu had the privilege of preparing Fr. Carlos for his Covenant of Love several years ago. He works tirelessly promoting devotion to the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt. He always has an ample supply of MTA novenas and MTA prayer cards, which he distributes generously to everyone.

In connection with the network of Shrines

More than 300 people turned out for the dedication of the Wayside Shrine, in spite of the somewhat cooler weather. Father Héctor Vega, a Schoenstatt Father and adviser to the Movement in the Brownsville Diocese, assisted with the dedication ritual. The ceremony was bi-lingual and Carlos Cantú assisted with the translation. Everyone gathered in front of the church where the ritual began. Fr. Zuñiga gave an introduction before the beginning of the ritual. The ritual began with words regarding how the Blessed Mother has established herself in the Schoenstatt Shrine. Also mentioned were the three special graces that are received in the Shrine, the connection of the Original Shrine, Daughter Shrines and Wayside Shrines, and how one offers their contributions to the Capital of Grace. Everyone in both English and Spanish then prayed the Daily Offering from Heavenwards’ morning prayer.

Collaboration required

As the ritual continued, Fr. Zuñiga then carried the image of the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt to her new home. Everyone followed with great solemnity. The participants were then asked questions in regard to their responsibility for the Blessed Mother in her new Wayside Shrine, and they all responded affirming their commitment of taking care of her, visiting her, and bringing her their prayers, sacrifices and contributions to the Treasury of Grace. Fr. Zuñiga and Fr. Héctor then blessed the Wayside Shrine and the Covenant of Love was renewed in both English and Spanish.

Fellowship and refreshments concluded the evening, and everyone left with joyful hearts knowing that Blessed Mother has a new dwelling place.