María Elena Vilches. South Africa was one of the first countries where Schoenstatt was established outside of Europe. Father Kentenich visited this country during 1947 and 1948. The Schoenstatt Family of South Africa lives from the strength that emerges from its Shrines, whose cornerstones Father Kentenich blessed, and today they feel especially united to the Original Shrine.
Father Michael Hagan (from South Africa) celebrated the Holy Mass. In his introduction, he told those present “precisely yesterday, we celebrated the Holy Mass here in the Shrine recalling April 27th, the day of freedom; it is an important day in the history of South Africa, and today we especially pray for the Movement in this country.”
The importance of the Covenant of Love for South Africa
Father Michael gave a brief homily in which he stressed the importance of the Covenant of Love for the Movement in South Africa. He said that the Movement in Johannesburg and Cape Town were centered on the Covenant of Love and how it can truly transform society. “The motto that was used in Cape Town was ‘Solidarity in the Covenant’ and in 1980, in Johannesburg, the Most Holy Virgin was crowned with the desire of building a society based on the Covenant of Love,” he said. He explained how the Schoenstatt Family took the Covenant of Love as the way and instrument of hope and how the members of the Movement wanted to be torches of hope for the country.
A truly international celebration.
It was a truly international celebration. Some Sisters sang in English and in German, the petitions were read in English and African by Sister Jackie Ann from South Africa, and the international pilgrimage prayer 2014 was prayed in English by everyone in attendance.
Many, throughout the world, could unite spiritually to the Original Shrine and the Family from South Africa thanks to the transmission of Schoenstatt-TV.
We want to fill the jars with our gifts … and with our petitions
During a moment of silence, the petitions for the Schoenstatt Family in South Africa, for the end of corruption, for positive leaders who seek peace, for more racial and social equality, and for all the country’s needs were placed in the jar of the Original Shrine.
For the Schoenstatt Family on pilgrimage toward 2014 and for all the apostolic projects that emerge as fruit of the Covenant of Love.
For everyone, who made a physical or spiritual pilgrimage to the Original Shrine and the Daughter Shrines during this week; for those who will be called to eternity this week, and for everyone who had made a contribution for the pilgrimage toward 2014 through their illness and their limitations to act.
For everyone, who sent their petitions and expressions of gratitude last week through schoenstatt.org from all the corners of the world: Italy, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Paraguay, Germany, Puerto Rico, Spain, and, for the first time, the Dominican Republic
Educate us to be your true missionaries for this century.
In this way, the pilgrimage continues, Saturday to Saturday, the Family walks united toward the great jubilee with the continuous petition: “Mother, give us the strength to spread a covenant culture in our world today and educate us to be your true missionaries for this century.”
2014 – at a glance
Steps of our pilgrimage towards 2014
Official website 2014 – www.schoenstatt2014.org
Newsletter “Towards 2014” 4/2012
Newsletter “Towards 2014” N°. 5/April 2012
Bulletin 2014 (subscribe)
Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, Tx: English translation
I am looking for Fr Micheal, his was my chaplain at UWC in the late 90’s. Please I want to thank him for what he has done to assist me in my studies.
My name is Mark Seale from the University of the Western Cape Cape Town South Africa. I knew Fr. Michael for a long long time and as the Chaplain at the University. I am looking for his contact details. Is there anyway that you might be able to assist me in getting his contact details. My email address: mseale@uwc.ac.za