mev. On the last Saturday of February, the Holy Mass “Toward 2014” was celebrated this time “in covenant” with a project from the apostolic field of Pedagogy: the Joseph Engling School in Quito, Ecuador. This institution emerged from the desire of parents who wanted their children to receive an education that was appropriate in facing the challenges of the world today. The Joseph Engling School bases its pedagogy on Father Kentenich’s pedagogical concept, and it departs from the large network of schools in Latin America that form students according to Father Kentenich’s proposal and the Schoenstatt pedagogy. The work in the institution is carried out with a close attachment among parents, family, teachers, educational personnel and the pastoral of the school.
United through their prayers
The members of this project – who knew about the Eucharistic celebration for their intentions – united spiritually to the Holy Mass and they sent their petitions, which were placed in the jar along with all the petitions that arrived this week.
They wrote: “We are approaching the Retreat for the secondary school third year boys and their final year in this school. We want this to be the intention of the Mass. For the leaders of our school, so that they will have the wisdom to manage this project that burns in the hearts of our community, which is the desire of being an eminently Schoenstatt school and the prompt realization of our new campus.”
The Family plays a fundamental role in the development of this educational project: “We unite in prayer in the Original Shrine for the intentions of the Movement families, who are experiencing difficult times, injustice, and for all our school’s families that they may educate their children in the love of God and Mary.”
United with Benedict XVI
This was the last Holy Mass “toward 2014” under the pontificate of Benedict XVI. Jubilee 2014, the large celebration of the 100th Anniversary, which in a large part involves Rome and the universal Church will be carried out with a new Pope. A photo of Benedict XVI was on the altar during the celebration as an expression of gratitude and commitment with the Church at this historic time.
“Today’s Gospel is very special” – Father Locher said – “it invites us to meditate on love and reconciliation.” This love is translated into covenant solidarity and the many projects that have emerged in the one hundred years of history are a concrete way and an expression of love of neighbor.
In a gesture of unity with the universal Church, the Holy Mass toward 2014, on Saturday, March 2nd, will be celebrated in covenant with the cardinals of the conclave, which will begin soon, and with the future new Pope.
Original: Spanish. English translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, USA
