Team 2014/Fr. Andrew Pastore. If you open the website of the town of Vallendar, these words greet you “Rooted on the Rhine, reaching throughout the world”. This could be a motto for the Original Shrine. How much has developed from these “roots on the Rhine.” On the way to 2014 not just the steps that have already taken place, but every step forward counts. One further step towards the events of Pilgrimage 2014 was taken on Wednesday, 26 June in Koblenz.
The district administrator of Mayen-Koblenz (in which Schoenstatt is located), Dr Alexander Saftig, invited Team 201
4 to present the developments in the planning on the way to the great pilgrimage 2014. This was the second meeting of its kind, the first held 2 years ago in 2011. Participants were impressed at how much progress had been made in the planning of the event. Among those invited to the District Office in Koblenz were local politicians and mayors, members of the emergency services, transport officials, the sanitation department, health and safety officials, representatives from neighbouring districts and many, many more. Schoenstatt was also well represented as the point of the meeting was not just to inform, but to further the great common work already done.
Transport, Registration, Meals
Several areas of the preparation were presented.
Transport is a big issue. Many buses and cars will come in the narrow streets in the valley Schoenstatt, which provides a bit of a challenge. How can we ensure everyone gets to the right place at the right time, where will the cars be parked?
Many other places of pilgrimage, as well as many of our Schoenstatt Centers in the world, are used to large numbers of pilgrims. The geography of our Schoenstatt Valley has made us become quite creative. How will the paths be signposted so that the many language groups that will take part find the places of interest they would like to see on their personal journey in this year 2014?
What kind of menu can we expect? We have people from all over the world. Kitchens need to be built, plates and cutlery washed. Who is going to empty the bins? Yes, there was someone at the meeting with an answer to that question! There was so much more…
How many people will take part? Registrations are coming in. There are many issues that make estimating the number of participants difficult. Many countries have already sent estimated numbers, many are very well on the way with their travel agencies and booking details. Several countries belonging to our movement are experiencing, in a more direct way than others, the financial crisis affecting the world economy. Some are thinking whether they should go as they fear the place might be overfilled (if you are thinking this – book now). Guesses between five 5000 and 14,000 are on the table. This fact affects many aspects of the pilgrimage. We will see on the day.
It’s really great to see! Not only do we see on an international level that the Schoenstatt family is joyfully preparing for the pilgrimage 2014. Many others, including those in the area surrounding Schoenstatt, are looking forward with great joy to the days of gathering around the original shrine. Team 2014 expressed its gratitude for the cooperation and help the local community is providing for our international family
