Posted On 2020-03-01 In Covenant Life

God’s love is present in young “tico” couples

COSTA RICA, Testimonies of the first Schoenstatt retreat for young couples, compiled by Carla Hidalgo •

What we liked the most was to feel the Church present in all the details, from those who came to give us talks and the monitors who gave so much heart into everything, to those who assumed with love to do their bit so that we could have our family altar. We, the young couples, are learning to be a domestic Church and in the retreat we have learned by the example of everyone, the importance to love

María José and Mauricio

The retreat allowed us to pause in a fast-paced world, to think about our marriage, our social and work life, and showed us a proposal of spirituality that is reflective, joyful and full of peace. Furthermore, we were delighted to notice in the Schoenstatt Family the many signs of affection and giving of self in solidarity with those who welcomed us at all times. The Blessed Mother was brilliant in her intercession!

 Migue and Andre

For us it was a great gift from God to have been able to attend this first retreat as a couple.

It filled us up greatly, we learned, it renewed us, and it amazed us as well. God touched our hearts with each talk, activity and also with each person who attended.

During this weekend, God spoke to us about many things, goals, and learning that we knew we should be doing, but that we were not doing at all. For example, since last year we both wanted to pray as a couple, but on one hand we said we had to do it, and on the other hand tiredness, laziness or routine got in the way, so each one of us did it alone.

During this weekend we learned how beautiful it is to pray as a couple, to be able to express ourselves in intimacy with God. We feel that this will strengthen us as a couple and that God will be reflected in every prayer we make.

On the other hand, we are very happy, because being able to spend the weekend dedicated entirely to the couple is something really nice. Because of work, family, routine and everything, one leaves aside being able to listen to, see or feel one’s partner, being able to engage in deep dialogue about our past, nice, or difficult situations in marriage, but knowing that as a couple we are moving forward and taking the time to talk about these things seemed very enriching to us.

I also know that we are going to enjoy very much the gift they gave us for our homes. We definitely didn’t expect that and it was a highlight for all the couples that attended.

We congratulate everyone who dedicated time to make this possible. To the monitors, to the priest, and to all the families involved so that this retreat would be more than we expected: thank you very much for sharing this love of God and of the Blessed Mother.

Alex and Karen

We decided to spend our first anniversary at the Schoenstatt retreat for young couples and it was an excellent decision, because it brought us closer to God. To meet other young couples with the same values was enriching. The explanatory Mass was a great contribution to our Catholic knowledge and the priest was very entertaining. We liked very much the activity of the Schoenstatt stations, where we had time to reflect on topics of marriage. Also, the talk in the home shrine enlightening and left us wanting to have one in our home.  In addition, having the family altar as a souvenir of this retreat was perfect to keep in mind that someday we will have the home shrine with us. The night of campfire, popcorn and movie was excellent. We are deeply grateful to the organizers for so many details, for so much love and commitment. Especially to our monitors who we loved and who always reminded us of the importance of being close to the Blessed Mother.

Glori and Oscar

 

The recent retreat for young couples that we attended was a success. The truth is that we enjoyed being together as a couple, outside of the normal day-to-day life. We were very impressed by the testimonies given by couples that have been in Schoenstatt for a long time, we can identify with them. We also prayed the rosary as a group, where we had to share our intentions with other couples so that they could pray for them. This opens our hearts and gives context about the needs of the people. Without a doubt it helped us to be closer to God and that was mostly what we are looking for. Also they gave us the frame with the Holy Family to bring it home, blessed and with the marriage intentions, it was beautiful.

Carlos and Erika

 

The retreat was an invitation to jump into an infinite abyss of faith. To not be afraid, to abandon oneself in God without reserve, to know that our God, as Father and Lord, never abandons, that his love is infinite, that his plan is perfect, that he allows everything for the good. An exhortation to build our marriages on a rock called Christ, where his Mother, our Mother, is the way to Him. The resources for this are prayer in couples, Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and the rosary. The retreat strengthened us spiritually; it showed us an alternative way, a thousand times better, to lead our life as a couple.

José Manuel and Geo

 

A wonderful weekend of retreat for young Schoenstatt couples. My husband Bryan and I are very happy and grateful to the Blessed Mother because she has shown us once again that she is at our side and intercedes for us. We are also grateful to be able to share with other young couples who are so incredible, and in a very special way, for having such a beautiful group, the G75.

Bryan and Alejandra

 

The young couples’ retreat was a very moving experience.

We covered many important topics for those of us who are starting out on this beautiful journey. The testimony of the couples was also key to transmitting this confidence in those who have been in the movement for several years. The team that organized the event was first class, thanks to every detail, gesture and the beautiful intention with which they prepared everything. 100% recommended.

María Laura and Jason. ❣

The work and effort made by all the people who were blessing this retreat. You can feel the hands of God taking care of the couples, and their holiness.

Mónica and Yorzoa

This weekend, in the midst of excitement and many doubts, we went to our first marriage retreat. Since we arrived at the retreat we have felt the grace of being sheltered. The warmth with which they received us and every detail they had with us made us feel privileged.

One of the most special moments was in the stations of the marital journey. We learned so much and we talked about subjects that we had not dealt with in a long time. It was simply beautiful.

Another special moment was learning to meditate, as a tool to dialogue with the Blessed Mother and God directly. We were not only grateful for the good things, but also for the failures or difficult moments. It is to dedicate a little time during the day to reflect, to express gratitude and to interiorize, Where did God came forth on this day?

Thanks to each one of the people who in one way or another collaborated to make this retreat possible. May God and the Blessed Mother multiply their blessings!

Finally we closed our testimony with this phrase that we learned ” I may awake with new strength to rekindle my love. Let me joyfully greet you”.  Fr. Kentenich, Heavenwards.

Erika and David

This weekend, in the midst of excitement and many doubts, we went to our first marriage retreat. Since we arrived at the retreat we have felt the grace of being sheltered. The warmth with which they received us and every detail they had with us made us feel privileged.

One of the most special moments was in the stations of the marital journey. We learned so much and we talked about subjects that we had not dealt with in a long time. It was simply beautiful.

Another special moment was learning to meditate, as a tool to dialogue with the Blessed Mother and God directly. We were not only grateful for the good things, but also for the failures or difficult moments. It is to dedicate a little time during the day to reflect, to express gratitude and to interiorize, Where did God came forth on this day?

Thanks to each one of the people who in one way or another collaborated to make this retreat possible. May God and the Blessed Mother multiply their blessings!

Finally we closed our testimony with this phrase that we learned: “I may awake with new strength to rekindle my love. Let me joyfully greet you.”  Fr. Kentenich.

 

Oscar and Gaby

Before the retreat, we tried to find out what kind of activities were planned, to which we were only told how nice it was, and that a lot of surprises were waiting for us.

We, with those super high expectations and very excited, since the movement has emerged in our lives like a trigger of change for the better, and the same we expected from the retreat.

As time went by, the feeling of support and brotherhood that is experienced in the movement became evident, from the preparation of the activities, the little details that were left to each one of us, the family altars that were given to us, and so many other things, leaving evidence of how there is a greater force of support, seeking to spoil us for the weekend as much as possible!

The talks, to which we have become accustomed, are more and more special. As a couple, we are inspired when we see the speakers share their opening stories with us, to make a presentation, to share their experiences and secrets with us, including the not so beautiful things, and all of this so that we can “arm ourselves” better, to face all the stages of marriage, what is ahead of us and how to combat it by the hand of the Blessed Mother.

We were witnesses throughout the weekend of how their lives have been changed by being in the movement. Knowing that the movement can help us as well makes us want to imitate them and even improve or rather adapt the versions of these to our specific circumstances. All the tools they present to us, we take them into account and little by little we aim to integrate them into our daily lives. It was very inspiring and we would like to extend our most honest thanks to all of them ( speakers, organizers) that we will certainly meet again on the way. They were like a helping hand, no, no, like a sibling hand for us and for all the young couples.

Well, what now? During the weekend, we talked about things that perhaps we had never had the time or the disposition to say to each other, we made firm and even written commitments that we as a couple need to have in order to be able to lead a more Christian, healthier and stronger marriage, to be an example for those who are living the same thing, or have plans to get married.

Not only was it a weekend in which we can say that we enjoyed ourselves with old and new friendly faces, but we can say that we left strengthened in that fraternal love of  the Mother and as a couple, since the topics discussed helped us to communicate in a better way to clarify clouds and to leave stronger.

So, as a couple, we want to thank, once again, everyone involved and tell them that their capital of grace to this retreat is well earned. Thank you very much! And we will recommend it to our friends and acquaintances, so that the movement will continue to grow and be nourished by such valuable people.

 

Julián and Gaby

 

We would like to deeply thank you for all the love and dedication in organizing the retreat. Love was reflected in every activity and every detail. With each day, God made us feel more blessed. As we told you on one occasion, we feel privileged that God, through the Blessed Mother, has allowed us to meet as a group and to grow together in our spirituality. Our main desire as a couple is to walk together on this road that leads to holiness, and you are God’s signs that this is possible and that we have the support to achieve it. Please thank the rest of the team for us, may God and the Blessed Mother fill you and your families with blessings.

 

Carolina and José Aimerich

 

We were able to see that every detail of the retreat was prepared with much love, taking care of the formative, spiritual and bonding part.

However, what we liked the most was to do the marital way, because it allowed us to discuss important topics that we do not often talk about in our daily lives.

We would like to thank you very much for the beautiful detail of praying for our marriage and us.

The rosary has been of vital importance in our lives, so it meant a lot to be able to count on your prayers using it.

We will keep the rosary in our family altar/ future home shrine and in our hearts.  We send you a big hug and we will pray for you.

 

Francisco and Gloriana

It was very nice to see the many couples who attended. Several couples did not even know about the Movement and it was very nice to hear how they found out: going through the Shrine, seeing the people and different activities and feeling the desire to be infected with the same peace and joy, and wanting to be part of that great family. That, for me, is Schoenstatt.

Mariela and Esteban

Original Spanish, February 8th, 2020. Translation by Maria Aragón, Monterrey, Mexico

Strengthening the young domestic churches

 

 

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