USA, Carlos Cantú. The Texas Schoenstatt Family gathered to celebrate 100 years of Schoenstatt’s founding, 100 years of the Covenant of Love, and 100 years of the Blessed Mother establishing herself in the Schoenstatt Shrine. More than 700 people were in attendance, and they were blessed with a beautiful day. The weather was a delicious gift from Heaven above!
The day’s festivities began with a customary serenade to Blessed Mother in front of the Shrine, ala Texas-style, which means bilingual (English/Spanish)! It was very moving to hear a bilingual version of the 2014 Jubilee Hymn. This was followed by the endearing MAÑANITAS, a Spanish song sung to people on their birthdays or their saint’s name day. It is a tender tribute to the honoree of the day, coaxing her/him to awaken and to rise so they can receive the special greetings from well-wishers. When this song is sung, hearts are moved to tenderness and are filled with, love, joy, and gratitude for the beloved person… in this case, Blessed Mother! Other Schoenstatt hymns followed, and these lifted the participants hearts and spirits who wanted to express their joy and gratitude to Our Mother and Queen of Schoenstatt for all that has occurred during the passed 100 years and as they look forward with joy and confidence toward the next 100 years.
A Jubilee Mass and more!
A meaningful devotion preceded the celebration of the Jubilee Holy Mass. Three Schoenstatt Fathers concelebrated the Holy Mass: Fr. Héctor Vega, Fr. Patricio Rodríguez, and Fr. Jesús Ferras. The image of the Mother Thrice Admirable, which is venerated in the shrine, had been taken out of the shrine and was on display next to the outdoor altar. Before the conclusion of the Holy Mass, they celebrated the renewal of the Covenant of Love and the offering of their commitment for the new century; this was done with great solemnity. Before the conclusion of this ceremony, there was a moment of silence, so that each person could personally renew the pledge offering, which was made at the beginning of the Jubilee Year. Before the MTA picture placed back into the shrine, the image was hoisted up onto the shoulders of four men who carried it in procession up and down the aisles. This caused quite a heartfelt and moving commotion. People clapped, waved, cheered and shouted the word VIVA in Spanish, which means long live, long live the Mother and Queen of Schoenstatt! The joy radiating in and through everyone was very contagious, and there were many eyes filled with tears, expressing not only their joy, but also their love and loyalty to the Confidentia Queen!
The MTA was handed over to two young Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary who carried her into the shrine. She was then lovingly returned to her place of honor in the shrine, and the symbols of the Father Eye and the crown were also returned to their places of repose. The scroll with many signatures pledging themselves to be the founders of a new century was then securely placed under the altar. They then renewed their Covenant of Love.
Texas-style BBQ, Butterflies, and Doves: For the Queen
After the final blessing, the recessional hymn, O TRIUNE GOD, was sung, bringing the Eucharistic celebration to a glorious conclusion. A delicious lunch, a Texas-style BBQ, was served to everyone. After lunch, everyone enjoyed an audiovisual presentation. The first video was a very well prepared presentation in which the bishops of the various Texas’ dioceses congratulated the Schoenstatt Movement on its foundation. It was a fitting tribute to see the bishops acknowledging the Schoenstatt Movement. The second video was a beautiful compilation of photos depicting the Jubilee Celebration in Schoenstatt, Germany, and Rome, Italy.
Benediction and sending forth brought the Jubilee Celebration to a close. After hearing many comments on how much the Jubilee Celebration had brought much joy to everyone, I want to share an email from a gentleman (Amado Cruz) who we had the honor of preparing for the Covenant of Love. He and his wife, Delia, sealed their Covenant of Love with the MTA a week earlier, Nov. 2nd. These are his words to me in his email message: “The Centennial Celebration was beautiful. The emotional highlight (for me anyway) were three: (1) when you and the other men processed among the crowd with our Blessed Mother and everyone was clapping and shouting ‘viva.’ (2) When the white doves were released and they circled around the Shrine three times before they flew away. (3) There was a lone monarch butterfly that all during the event flew right over the heads of the faithful almost like it was sent by Our Lady to give us a special blessing. There were very many special moments; the songs were sung so beautifully with such meaningful words; the way that Holy Communion was distributed so reverently; the joy in the crowd was so apparent, I could almost smell the air full of joy. God is very good.”
I think these words of Amado Cruz are the best summary of the Jubilee Celebration by the Texas Schoenstatt Family. Filled with joy and confidence, they go into their second century.
