ARGENTINA, Anita and Héctor Zudaire. The Father Symbol visiting the Diocese of Azul initially was not on the itinerary, but plans changed-thanks to God, Sister Sofia’s intercession, and the Family from La Plata’s goodwill.
The Father Symbol arrived in Rauch very early on April 16th; the Leaders of the Family Work brought it from Paso Mayor. The leaders of the Campaign welcomed the Father Symbol with emotion and joy.
During the morning it visited the Wayside Shrines in the country and Homeshrines in the city – construction of the multi-purpose Hall in “El Amparo” began precisely on this day.
The location of the future Shrine
At 12:30 p.m., with the presence of the adviser, Sister María Andrea, representatives of the Mothers’ Branch, the Family Work and the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign from Tandil, the Father Symbol accompanied them from a place of honor beside the Auxiliary Shrine in the celebration of the Holy Mass in the parish church. Although it was a work day, many Schoenstatt youth, couples, mothers, missionaries, and the locals, who are visited by the missionaries, participated. They prayed for the canonization of Father Kentenich and John Pozzobon, the daughter Shrine for Rauch, the Diocese…and beyond.
Commitment with Father
The joy of the encounter was reflected during the luncheon at “Campo del Cielo” (Heaven’s Field). Explanations, dialogues and anecdotes prepared their hearts for the main event of the afternoon: The commitment with Father at the Blessed Mother’s Wayside Shrine. From Father, toward the Father! With Mary, Father’s Family!
Spontaneously everyone went with the Symbol toward the place chosen for the future Shrine…a prayer and many photos of everyone, by cities, by Branches…always with Father.
There was refreshment with mate (herbal tea) and pastries at the House and the farewell. The Diocesan Coordinators from La Plata received the Symbol within the beautiful framework of a rural evening and with hearts on fire, returning without delay toward the Shrine of Freedom.
Meanwhile, they recalled Father’s words: “…may the Father current never disappear from the Family…may the living Triune God again return the free use of our Original Shrine…”
A very happy day, God passed through here, almost visibly.
The worldwide pilgrimage of the Father Symbol
The worldwide pilgrimage of the Father Symbol destined for the Original Shrine is part of the preparation for the jubilee of the Covenant of Love in 2014. The Father Symbol for the Original Shine – Father Kentenich’s gift to the Schoenstatt Family – is traveling through Argentina during these weeks on this worldwide pilgrimage in preparation for the jubilee of the Covenant of Love. According to Message 2014, the intention of the worldwide pilgrimage is “that around the person of Father Kentenich our Family will be purified and will grow in unity to strengthen us in our mission at the service of the Church and society”. On the historic day when the Original Shrine was entrusted to Schoenstatt, the Father Symbol was in Bariloche.
More about the pilgrimage of the Father Symbol
Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, Texas: English translation
