Team 2014, Clemens Mann. How do you reach the shrine? And what will happen around its surroundings? Sister M. Renata Zürrlein, leader of the organizational team in the Original Shrine gives us an overview of the plans.
Sister M. Renata has also heard the rumor that no one will be able to visit the Original Shrine during the Jubilee pilgrimage. The leaders of Team 2014 immediately decided to dissipate all doubts: “The rumor is not true. Everything possible is being done so that every pilgrim can visit the shrine often and for as long as they desire.” The entire team is aware of the pilgrims who will be arriving from all parts of the world who want to spend time in the Original Shrine. Therefore, the doors of this place of grace will be open from the early hours of the morning until very late at night. The Original Shrine will only be reserved for two hours during the renewal of the covenant, on the 18th of October, for the great liturgy. “The stream in and toward the Original Shrine will flow throughout the day.”
A pilgrimage like those in the large pilgrimage centers in Latin America
But then, how will the pilgrims access the shrine during the Jubilee pilgrimage? Since around 8,000 to 10,000 pilgrims are expected, the access to the Original Shrine will be different than the one that the pilgrims who have already been in Schoenstatt know: the Jubilee pilgrimage will depart from the Pilgrims’ Center parking lot (near the slope next to the Pallottines’ High School) to the Original Shrine. There, pilgrims will form a line. No one will be able to access the Shrine from the grounds or the adjacent street. “Pilgrims should be a little patient in order to reach the Original Shrine. However, every pilgrim can use this time to prepare for his/her visit to this holy place,” Sister M. Renata said. Throughout the pilgrimage route, you can obtain candles that can be lighted and placed close to the Original Shrine on the stands that will be available for this purpose. Moreover, there will also be temporary tents, where everyone will have the opportunity to sign the certificate of founding. “In order to guide pilgrims in the best way, we obtained advice from the Schoenstatt international family in South America, who, above all, have had more experience in handling a large influx of visitors,” Sister M. Renata explained.
The larger the multitude on the pilgrimage route the shorter the time that one can remain in the Original Shrine. Sister M. Renata appeals to understanding on the part of pilgrims. “If many people want to visit the shrine, like me, then everyone should give up a part the time that you would like to spend there, and thus, it will make it possible for another pilgrim to visit the Blessed Mother. We are a very large family.” The Sisters estimate that the largest number of visitors will be on the Founding Day, October18th. Pilgrims can visit and remain longer in the Original Shrine on other days of the Jubilee pilgrimage. There will also be times, like October the 16th, that are especially reserved for groups from countries, or Friday night, the 17th to the 18th of Saturday, for the Schoenstatt Youth.
Finish the visit to the shrine on the pilgrims’ grounds
After visiting the Original Shrine, everyone can finish their visit at the Pilgrims’ Grounds. Benches will be available there, so that pilgrims can pray and sing close to the Shrine, and everybody can remain as long as they desire. The grass will be covered with special netting, so the grounds can be used in bad weather. From a stage close to the Shrine, we want to collaborate with the expansion of “a joyful, happy, peaceful atmosphere as a family and in meditation” that will surround the entire place. “ We want for this natural and supernatural atmosphere emanating from the shrine to be felt everywhere, with international songs, instrumental music and prayers” this is what Sister M. Renata’s desires. A giant screen will transmit pictures from the inside of the shrine for those who are praying on the Pilgrims’ Grounds.
Blessings and songs
In the back part of the Pilgrims’ Grounds, priests will be there, who are especially willing to bless articles that are brought to or bought in Schoenstatt, and to give individual, family or group blessings; they will also hear confessions, or participate in conversations. “With this very personal gesture, especially regarding the individual blessings, we want to include pilgrims from all over the world as part of the Jubilee celebrations,” said Father Antonio Bracht, Rector of the Original Shrine and member of the coordination team. Father Bracht is already happy about this encounter with pilgrims!
A special attraction awaits pilgrims on the afternoon of the 16th of October. “After the welcome celebration, surely many pilgrims will want to go to the shrine once again. By then, the square will be immersed in a world of songs.” Singers and musicians of the Schoenstatt International Family will present a serenade. “As for the rest, many activities have not been planned for the square,” Sister M. Renata said, “since the main program will be the encounter with the Blessed Mother, and the encounter with the rest of the members of the family, plenty of time will be available for this. Everything planned will offer the opportunity for a time of encounter in the Original Shrine.”
Original German: Translation Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA
