USA, Carlos Cantú. In thanksgiving for the gift of Father Kentenich’s priesthood (July 8, 1910 – July 8, 2010), the Schoenstatt Family of the USA gathered for a National Leaders’ Convention. The event was held from July 8th to July 11th at the International Schoenstatt Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The convention began at 5:00 P.M. in the shadow of St. Vincent Pallotti East Parish Church and the Exile Shrine where Father Kentenich celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his ordination.
The impressive Eucharistic celebration had to be held outside under a very large tent in order to accommodate the crowd of approximately 700 persons. Presiding at the festive liturgy was Milwaukee Archbishop J. Listecki.
A Good Shepherd
Concelebrating with Archbishop Listecki were numerous Pallottine Fathers, Schoenstatt Fathers and diocesan priests from several areas. When Archbishop Listecki referred to Father Kentenich, he said: “Father Joseph Kentenich lived the life of the Good Shepherd. He had the willingness to sacrifice his life for his sheep.”
Archbishop Listecki continued, “You are one with him. You are family. You hear his voice because you hear the voice of Christ.” After the Holy Mass, everyone partook of a delicious meal and also had the opportunity to view an impressive power-point which was shown in St. Vincent Pallotti East Church (formerly Holy Cross). Being in this Church really brings Father Kentenich to mind.
Everyone gathered at the Exile Shrine for a closing prayer of thanksgiving. The convention participants then departed for the International Center and enjoyed delicious refreshments.
The Gift for 2014
The purpose of the convention was to discern what is the gift from the USA Schoenstatt Family for 2014. A report prepared after the convention by Schoenstatt Father, Gerold Langsch, reads: “About 230 representatives from 18 states were gathered at the National Leaders’ Convention for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Fr. Kentenich’s ordination to the priesthood. During our convention at the International Center, we presented our priestly Father with many gifts for his anniversary and planted a tree in his memory at the Shrine. From among the five suggested areas of our apostolic priorities which were chosen at the Planning Session in Schoenstatt in 2009 (marriage and family, youth, education, Church, Society), we chose the strengthening of the family as our striving during the remaining four years till 2014. Then our discussion focused on one of the precious gifts of the Blessed Mother during the exile time, the birth of the Home Shrine. Our special gift from the United States for 2014 is OUR LIFE WITH AND IN THE HOME SHRINE…..the Home Shrine as our gift could invite us to deepen our own covenant life in the Home Shrine and from the Home Shrine to reach out to others and be apostolically active.”
To deepen and to draw are the key words used to describe the striving to grow deeper in the covenant life in the Home Shrine, and out of the deepened life of the covenant of love from the Home Shrine, many opportunities for apostolic endeavors can come forth…..fatherhood in the family, the Pilgrim MTA, and contact with the diocesan clergy among others.
Father, give us your light
B
ecause of the vastness of the country, at this time we have two mottos: one for Texas and one for the other states. The Texas Schoenstatt Family has a yearly Delegates’ Convention at the Confidentia Shrine/Center every October and searches for its motto. The Texas Schoenstatt Family will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of Father Kentenich’s ordination to the priesthood at its annual October day, October 24, 2010.
The other states chose the following motto: FATHER, GIVE US YOUR LIGHT. It is inspired by the Shrine of Light in New York. This shrine is the focus in the USA for 2010-2011. Father Langsch concluded his report with the words: “Our apostolic spirit for the Church as an apostolic family, being a light to the nations, may guide us in our efforts to grow during this coming year.”
A multicultural Movement
As a country, the Schoenstatt Movement is very widespread. National meetings and conventions – which do not occur often – provide the Schoenstatt Family with an excellent opportunity to experience the Schoenstatt life which is blossoming in many different places. They make them aware of how multicultural, multiethnic, and multilingual the Movement is, and this experience really helps to grow and to learn from one another.
Super article and pics here Carlos, what a jam-packed four days we had in WI, so nice to finally meet you and your wife. Hope to get together in New York maybe for their big celebration