CHILE, Press Office of the Archdiocese of La Serena •
The celebration, presided by Archbishop René Rebolledo Salinas, was attended by many faithful, including the director of the Schoenstatt Movement, Father Gonzalo Illanes, Father Dikson Yáñez Pizarro, pastor of the parish of “Santísima Trinidad” in Alto Peñuelas, and many religious. —
The celebration began with a procession in which the different branches of the Movement participated with their characteristic banners, along with members of the parish community and the religious dance group ” Madre de la Montaña”.
How God is present in creation
Fr. Gonzalo Illanes, director of the Schoenstatt Movement in Chile, praised the followers for half a century of commitment and dedication and highlighted the beauty of the Tabor Shrine at the top of the mountain, from which there is an extraordinary view: “It is a gift from God to share the 50th anniversary with this community that gathers around the Tabor Shrine and goes on pilgrimage in this beautiful area. I come as the national representative of the Movement, and I can only thank all the faithful who have come together to organize this moment and all those who remain faithful to the Word and Work of God. The shrine on the hill lets us see how God is present in creation and in the beautiful gathering of this day.”
La Serena
A source of life for half a century
Father Dikson Yáñez highlighted the great participation and organization of the parish and the Schoenstatt Movement in this important celebration that reflects half a century of faith and love for God the Father in the parish: “It is a joy to see so many parishioners and pilgrims who feel that the Shrine has been a source of life for half a century, which is manifested in daily life, in the family and in work. The Shrine is a sacred place where we can nourish and strengthen our faith. It is also important to remember how the Apostolic Movement has developed over the years and how its organization has made it possible to maintain this holy place.”
The God of life speaks to us and calls us to concrete action
Héctor Soublette and Patricia Castro stressed the importance of the fidelity of those who participate in the Movement and those who have joined its activities. They also stressed the fundamental role of La Serena as an epicenter for the spread of the Schoenstatt Movement in the country, despite its tourist character: “The work during these 50 years of the Schoenstatt Movement in La Serena has been to create educational conditions that promote a faith that permeates daily life, along with other practical means of personal formation. Above all, Schoenstatt’s spirituality offers an education that is grounded in life itself: in events, in people, in encounters. The God of life speaks to us and calls us to concrete action.
La Serena
Service to the community
For half a century, the Apostolic Schoenstatt Movement in La Serena has played an important role in the local community, promoting a deep Marian spirituality and an active commitment in daily life.
During this time, members of the Movement have actively participated in charitable activities, collaborated with local institutions, and contributed to the social and moral development of the region. Their presence and commitment have left a positive impression on the community, promoting Christian values, and establishing a deeper connection between faith and daily life.
The occasion was also used to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the religious dance group “Madre de la Montaña”, which was blessed by Archbishop René Rebolledo Salinas, who gave new costumes to the young members of this beautiful religious cultural expression.
La Serena
Source: Communication La Serena, Coquimbo, 29-08-2023
Original: Spanish. Translation: Maria Fischer @schoenstatt.org
