AUSTRIA, by Karolin Schwaiger •
In the history of the Schoenstatt Family of Upper Austria, the “Gathering Celebration” is already a tradition. This year it was celebrated jointly with Königswiesen parish.
The event began with Holy Mass, and Chaplain Fr. Samuel celebrated in a very lively manner.
To be happy as a family
After the Holy Mass, the Stadlobers from Fohnsdorf, province of Styria, gave a talk at the “Karlingerhaus” center on the topic: Less = More – be happy as a family. The sharing of many examples from life, the competent analysis of the subject and the presenters’ sense of humor strengthened the couples that attended. During the presentation, the children were taken care of by a youth team.
At noon, everyone enjoyed a good meal at Karlingerhaus House. Then there was time to converse, to get to know each other, etc. along with a variety of cakes and coffee.
Vocation stories were shared
‘Hirschalm,’ an adjacent meadow, close to the path for pilgrims, was set up with stations to deepen the meaning of the sacraments, and was the afternoon program’s objective. The walk began with fantastic weather. Close to the Baptism station and the sacrament of marriage station, some couples gave their testimonies, and they invited the participants to pray. There was another pause at the consecrated life station, where Fr. Felix Strässle shared his vocation story with the participants.
There is also a chapel on that path for pilgrims, and there we heard the testimony of a nun, who lives near the place as a hermit and who offers consolation and advice to the many people who visit her.
The walk ended with everyone singing together and Fr. Felix giving the blessing of the families in the chapel.
Finally, there was an opportunity to share at Jagdmärchenpark Park, where the children enjoyed the games and the summer slide most of all.
It was truly a Gathering Celebration, reaching out and meeting the people of the parish.
Source: www.schoenstatt.at –joint communication with schoenstatt.org
Original: German: Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA. Edit: Melissa Peña-Janknegt, Elgin, TX USA
