BRAZIL, Karen Bueno, http://www.Schoenstatt.org.br (with permission) •
There are people who make history for the simple fact of sweeping the ground like Sr. Adair Rodrigues Gil does every day, waking early to clean the tree leaves from the grounds of the future Caieiras/SP Shrine. Her story was told some time ago on schoenstatt.org.br. With less than six months before the long-awaited 17 September, hers and many other signs of love for the Mother of God and the Shrine point to this final stretch of the conquest.
The Caieiras Wayside Shrine
“They gave me a gift!”
Among so many stories, aspirations, struggles…we came across the name of the engineer, Douglas Leme. Few people have the privilege of living so close to all the project development and consolidation of the work on a new Shrine.
“They gave me a gift! Everything began without pretense, and soon I became involved in the valuable task. My collaboration is minimal in comparison to that of many others who dedicate themselves to this cause everyday and in many aspects. It was a gift for me and of course, it is for many other people,” he said.
As a member of the Schoenstatt Movement early on from a group of pioneers, Douglas had already dreamed about this conquest for sometime, along with the Schoenstatt Family. Beginning in 2009, his task was to develop the project. He explained: “We, along with a commission formed by several members of the Indivisa Christi Association, which represents this Center, coordinated the studies and the work in order to have a construction true to the original, well-done technically with the use of adequate materials and installations, fulfilling the norms, the optimal use of resources (treating the contributions with respect), and meeting deadlines.”
The Caieiras Shrine’s construction is a milestone for the Family
The engineer also related how the construction process of the Shrine was implemented: “We carried out a study of the architectural project (materials, techniques to use, and existing information). We contracted and monitored technical studies of the ground (topographic survey and analysis of the ground), the contract and development of corresponding projects (foundation project, structure, etc.), a cost analysis for the work and development of the contest to select and contract a qualified and skilled business for its carrying this out.”
All of this because, “although it is a very small and relatively simple construction, it is something unique. It is not just ‘another job,’ rather it is ‘the great work.’ I always considered the Caieiras Shrine construction as a milestone for the Family, anticipated by many and arduously conquered over many years.”
Visit: Cássio Leal
Caieiras Shrine takes shape…
Douglas Leme recalls, like him, many other people have voluntarily placed their gifts at the service of this new Schoenstatt Center, according to their abilities – in the judicial, financial, accounting, and organizational fields…always accompanied by the Schoenstatt Ladies, who take care of all the details. He says it is a privilege to participate in this process.
The Caieiras Shrine will currently take shape with the walls raised and built according to the Schoenstatt Original Shrine’s architecture. The family remains committed to the spiritual conquest and material for the Mother and Queen’s new home.
Those who want to help out can go to: catarse.me/santuariocaieiras
Also, to send Hail Marys for this new Movement Center: click here
Lastly, Douglas shares the expectation for this Shrine as of September: “I hope that everyone who visits this place will have the feeling that ‘it is good to be here.’ That upon entering this place, every person who feels hopeless will feel they are in the Blessed Mother’s arms, in God’s house.”
Visit: Maria Fischer
Photos: Cassio Leal, Maria Fischer/schoenstatt.org
I would like to know what the building costs are for a Schoenstatt Chapel, assuming that
the land is readily availible, and owned by a donor who is supportive of the movement.
thank you