Posted On 2014-11-11 In Jubilee 2014

With the Third International Auxiliary MTA in Schoenstatt and in Rome

ARGENTINA, Silvia de Losada. Months before the 18th of October, it did not cross my mind to travel to Schoenstatt. However events happened dramatically, and Divine Providence decided otherwise. Accompanied by Father Guillermo Cassone, a group of Argentineans departed on pilgrimage with a heart yearning to unite with all our Schoenstatt brothers/sisters of the world to celebrate a historic event in the life of the family, the one hundred years of the Covenant of Love.

Loaded with petitions, offerings and concerns… in my case, with an additional mission: to bring the third international Auxiliary MTA back to Argentina. It had traveled through many countries uniting the Rosary Campaign, and it would return to Argentina filled with graces.

The Blessed Mother waits for us

Upon arriving at our place of lodging in Limburg, we discovered that María Fischer had left the Auxiliary MTA with a couple who would join the pilgrimage at this place. It was an immense joy and emotion to see her after so many years! A movie of the days we experienced ten years ago when the Belmonte Shrine was blessed ran through my mind. That same image accompanied me during the pilgrimage through the Vatican Gardens, and the following day September 8, 2004, at the blessing of the Matri Ecclesiae Shrine.

My pilgrimage companions immediately felt committed, and in the arms of several of them, who like new John Pozzobons carried her from the bus to her final destination: the tent of the Covenant Culture “Church,” the Blessed Mother arrived at the Original Shrine on the 16th of October. Here a choir, singing “Madre Pergrina” (“Pilgrim Mother”) and a greeting from the Original Pilgrim MTA, welcomed her and remained close to her.

Great emotions continued: encounters with Schoenstatt Fathers and Sisters of Mary, who I had not seen in many years, and Schoenstatt brothers/sisters I knew from other countries, which seemed impossible an impossible task to find among so many pilgrims. The large family reunited!

Father Kentenich’s tomb always produces the same emotion in me; it is impossible to get near it without tears flowing, and feeling that by touching it, I embrace my father.

Toward the future times

On the 18th of October, Father Darío Gatti offered to bring the Auxiliary MTA from the “Church” tent, since a problem with my knee prevented me from walking the steep paths. When I was situated in the large amphitheater, I was able see it on the right side of the stage, on the floor, beneath an urn with plants.

Without being certain that it was she, I went down desperately and efficiently; it was my Mother! I tried to get it on the stage, but I was told that it was impossible, and she was all right where she was.

Broken hearted I approached her and I told her, “Mother, if this is what you want, Adsum!” and I returned to my place.

After a few minutes, I saw that two people lifted her and placed her on the left side of the stage, beneath the enormous picture of Blessed Mother, surrounded by flowers. She took care of it!

My heart was overflowing with so many emotions. To be there and to know that it was not only a celebration, but also a historic event that will not be repeated in my lifetime, or in the ones of those there in this place. However I was also aware that it was a beginning…that the following day every one should make an effort to truly be the protagonist of a new Schoenstatt century.

Flags waved, voices united to renew the Covenant of Love and the amphitheater exploded: songs, tears, and embraces! The next Schoenstatt century was beginning!

Blessed audience with the Holy Father

After a part of our group traveled to Padua and Assisi, we prepared for another very desired moment: the encounter with Francis the Pope, who is so beloved and known by the Argentineans and by the entire world.

I tried to reach the stage carrying the Auxiliary MTA, but security stopped me. With the Blessed Mother on my lap, I saw Father Argemiro Ferracioli two rows behind, we had planned to meet there without thinking about how difficult it would be. Coincidence or coincidence? We were both surprised!

I got close to the barrier with the Auxiliary MTA, the youths who were in front of me did not allow me to pass with her. At that moment, a bustle began: the Holy Father was arriving.

Pilgrim MTAs on high, flags, outstretched hands…no one wanted to be far from the Pope!

Upon hearing him, I was captivated by his humility, his simplicity, his warmth and the great message of sending forth of the Schoenstatt Family: “In giving you the blessing, I send you as missionaries in the years to come. I send you, not in my name, but in the name of Jesus. I send you, not alone, but hand-in-hand with our Mother Mary, and within the womb of our Mother, the Holy Church. I send out you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

To go out, to encounter others, to give the covenant.

As a highlight, the following day we visited the Belmonte Shrine. Returning after ten years! So many changes, I found it so beautiful!

In this Shrine, I had special experiences. This was the first encounter with the third international Auxiliary MTA, which I was now returning to its origin: Argentina

To encounter Maria and Sarah-Leah are moments that I will keep in my heart forever!

The return trip

The Blessed Mother never fails to surprise me! Because of its size, the Auxiliary MTA was not allowed to travel in carry on, but with the luggage, which tore my heart apart once again.

I presented it at the check-in counter very well wrapped; I explained that it was a fragile religious picture that had been blessed by the Pope. I was sent to an office, so it could be taken down the elevator, and so it would not be damaged; it had a tag that read: “preferential baggage.” The same tag was placed on my suitcase.

When we arrived at our destination, I was frightened at first when I did not find it on the conveyor belt for baggage, but then it was beside my suitcase, it was in perfect condition.

It was still necessary to go through customs; when I presented the Blessed Mother to be scanned, no one asked what it was or where it was from. She took care of entering the country without inconveniences.

I am still living the euphoria of those historic moments, and it is necessary to quiet the heart and to begin to think about our mission and commitment.

Original: Spanish – Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA

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