PARAGUAY, Horacio Chávez Tottil •
The visit of the Patroness of Paraguay to Schoenstatt in Tupãrendá is traditional and truly becomes Mary’s Garden with two beautiful blue flowers: one a captivating image that induces one to fall in love and embrace, and the other, a small, finely decorated statue; both are ready to welcome their beloved children.
At nine in the morning at the entrance, the drums and music were heard accompanying the pilgrims carrying the Virgencita de Caacupé [The Little Virgin of Caacupé]. Her presence impresses everyone to the point that it is impossible contain the tears, because of the love that all Paraguayans have for her and in seeing so many of the faithful. A large majority has a suffering face, but at the same time, they are comforted accompanying her in this visit.
Eagerly waiting for the moment of encounter
Everything happened within the scheduled framework. Fr. Pedro Kühlcke celebrated the Mass in Santa María de la Trinidad Church, which was full of faithful from several cities, who came to witness this very special and close encounter. The pilgrims were already so eager to touch the glass that held the image of the Virgen de Caacupé that the guards and acolytes repeatedly advised: “Please wait, in the Shrine you will have her much closer.” The need to touch her was so strong, to pray that she intercede for some petition, to thank her for what she daily gives as a precious gift to each one who has faith in her.
And that was how it was, when the Mass ended everyone went joyfully singing on pilgrimage toward the Shrine, and there they encountered the Queen of two titles. Then I thought: one Paraguayan and the other…German or in truth Italian, or sincerely international…My conclusion was: she is the Queen of the Universe, she does not have a nationality, only a very great love that she gives to everyone.
Original: Spanish. Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA. Edited: Melissa Peña-Janknegt, Elgin, TX USA
