EL SALVADOR, by Florencia Couto and Claudio Martínez •
Advent is a time of hope and renewal, during which we experienced a transition in the Movement in El Salvador. During the week of December 3-7, 2023, Father José Luis Correa, after seven years of commitment, service, and devotion, handed over to Father Raimundo Costa, also Chilean, his role as advisor of the Movement in El Salvador. —
These were intensive days, as they were filled with learning, gratitude, love, and guidance. “I am grateful for the warmth, the potential at the religious and human level. I am happy to work with a family like yours,” said Father Raimundo in a meeting with the different branches that comprise the movement in this country. His arrival symbolizes not only the continuity of Fr. José Luis’ work, but also new challenges.
Blessing of Home Shrines
Blessing of Home Shrines
During the ceremony for the blessing of the Home Shrines of G1 (group 1) and G4 (group 4) of the Family Branch, Father Raimundo encouraged those attending to be “living shrines, with the presence of Mary in their homes. May it be part of the culture and of everything that happens, and may we make abundant contributions to the Capital of Grace to reflect this first shrine that we want to have in the country”.
During a dinner with young professionals, after the G1 and other women sealed the Covenant of Love, the participants shared their stories, experiences, and longings. “We are in a time of preparation and hope. In time to prepare the heart, the spirit. The joy that is coming. It is Jesus who is about to come, about to be born… This time of Advent calls us to really prepare ourselves,” Father reflected.
Men conquering the Office Shrine
The G1 of the Men’s Branch also had breakfast with the priest and they are inspired to seal their Covenant of Love next year. “We are committed to conquering space through the Office Shrine and the Home Shrine to strengthen and evangelize in all the areas where we work, both at home and in the office,” said Orlando Carranza, Branch Leader, with motivation.
Fr. Raimundo with Group 1 of the Men’s Branch
Preparing the first Marriage Enrichment Retreat in El Salvador
In addition, twenty Salvadorian couples have received the Marriage Enrichment Retreat in Costa Rica and are preparing to have the first retreat of this type in the country, which will take place from February 23-25, 2024, being the second country in Central America to have its own Forta. Certainly, this first Forta in El Salvador has been thanks to the efforts of Father José Luis and the Perera Fernández couple (Isidro Perera died in 2022, giving his life for Schoenstatt in El Salvador) and it is a great incentive for other neighboring countries, such as Guatemala and Honduras, to receive it.
In a meeting with the team, Father Raimundo explained the importance of this great apostolate of the Family Branch. “We are going to work as a family and learn from each other,” shared the priest, who had been on assignment in the United States. “We are inspired, it gives us strength to take Schoenstatt to other couples,” added Fernando Gutiérrez, leader of the branch.
Fr. Raimundo with Forta El Salvador 2024 Team
In Advent, always
Father Raimundo arrives in El Salvador with a joyful and enthusiastic style, which he will bring to the Schoenstatt Movement in Costa Rica and El Salvador. His honest smile and contagious energy are already a source of inspiration for the community. His arrival in the Advent season encourages the Movement to embrace the future with optimism and determination. And it encourages us to say, “Mother, here we are,” as Father Kentenich has stated.
Fr. Raimundo Costa
Original: Spanish. Translation: Marcela Fernández, Toronto, Canada
