DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Catalina Bonilla •
Last Sunday, February 11th, in the Victoria Patris Shrine, in the Dominican Republic, the first meeting of the CIS (Schoenstatt Introductory Course) was held with the participation of couples from different areas of Santo Domingo. —
This encounter was the first of a series of three, whose objective is to show the participating couples what the Schoenstatt Movement is, its charism and all the gifts that can be received by being part of the Schoenstatt Movement’s Family Branch.
The Sisters of Mary who reside in the Shrine, as well as Father Roberto Martinez, from the Schoenstatt Federation of Diocesan Priests, supported the event.
First CIS in Dominican Republic
What is Schoenstatt? Come and see it
The meeting began with a welcome by Sister Georgina, who very warmly explained what Schoenstatt means and its spirituality. She did not omit to tell about the wonderful experience of visiting the shrine frequently and the graces that can be received there.
Father Roberto encouraged the couples to join the formation groups of the Family Branch, emphasizing how important it is to walk in community and to grow together in faith and love.
First CIS in Dominican Republic
Bringing God and Our Blessed Mother to the center of their homes
Marlon and Catalina, a Costa Rican couple belonging to the Apostoli Gaudii course of the Federation of Schoenstatt Families Branch of Costa Rica, who now reside in the Dominican Republic, coordinated the meeting and shared their life experience within the movement, motivating the couples to give themselves the opportunity to join the Schoenstatt community.
It was a morning in the shade of the Shrine where the families recognized the need to strengthen the institution of marriage and to take God and the Blessed Mother to the center of their homes.
May the Blessed Mother be the intercessor so that many families will be encouraged to be part of this beautiful movement. In the words of Father Joseph Kentenich “Nothing without you, nothing without us”.
Original: Spanish. Translation: Marcela Fernández, Toronto, Canada
