ECUADOR, Martin and María Elena Vilches. On September 15th, the Schoenstatters throughout the world will commemorate the 44th Anniversary of Father Kentenich’s death. Undoubtedly, his greatest work is the Schoenstatt Family. And his inheritance is immense. Clearly, what is the most outstanding is his example of giving himself to God and his love for the Blessed Mother. Whoever observes his work admires his vision. His charism and Father’s love keeps him alive among his children, his presence and guidance is felt at every moment.
Within his work, one can proudly and affectionately see the Shrine (almost 200 Daughter Shrines in the world), Mary’s Throne on earth, from where she distributes abundant graces. Whoever visits one of the shrines is filled with faith and hope for a better world. The shrine is the workshop of the new man for whom Father Kentenich struggled so much. This is demonstrated in Schoenstatt’s four milestones.
Homeshine: Foundation and nourishment of the family
In the coming days during the commemoration of Father Kentenich’s return to the House of the Father, one can also gaze on another masterful work that he left his children: the Homeshirne, the foundation and nourishment for the Family, the training workshop for “the New Man”, the cradle of vocations, the laboratory of family love and prayer. “When we are in our Homeshrine, we recall Saint Peter’s words at Tabor, “It is good to be here! Let us build three tents!” Father Kentenich’s projection has lasted for ninety-eight years.
A tribute and an invitation
On the way to the Jubilee that will be celebrated on October 18, 2014, some Family Work members in several countries have considered that the Campaign of Homeshrines is a just and well deserved tribute to the Father and Founder, it is expression of gratitude for everything that he gave for his children.
Therefore the invitation: “We propose that on September 15th, for everyone to light a candle and to pray the Pilgrimage Prayer 2014. Thus the three currents of preparation toward 2014 will be united: United to the Founder, we recall the Year of the Father current; in each Homeshrine, we recall this Year of the Shrine current – that is about to end; recognizing the Homeshrine as a gift and mission for the Church and the world, we approach the opening of the Year of the Missionary current. Let us go around the world flooding it with blessings. We are Schoenstatt, let us help make this glorious day a sign.”
Dear Mother and Mother of our Lord!
With great joy we start out
on our pilgrimage to your shrine.
Father Kentenich’s faith moved you
to set up your home in Schoenstatt.
In the shadow of this shrine
a family was born,
a new spiritual way within the Church,
a charism in the midst of our time.
We want to fill the jars with our gifts:
With our gratitude and repentance,
With our surrender and longing.
With every step we take on our pilgrim way,
we ask you:
Enkindle in us anew the fire of love for you,
for Father Kentenich
and for our family.
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.
Your covenant – our mission!
1 What do I want to give thanks for today?
2 What will I place into the jar today?
3 Which missionary step can I take today?
English translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX
