BRAZIL, Volny Enrique Martoni. At the start of December, the “6th Oh Mary – Men’s Vigil” took place at the Tabor Foundation of Schoenstatt Shrine in Jacarezinho, Brazil. One hundred and fifty nine men from Jacarezinho, Ourinhos, Abatiá, Ibiporã, Santa Cruz, Conselheiro Mairinck, Marília, and Bandeirantes took part.
The pilgrims were welcomed on Friday, 30 November, with a delicious supper prepared by the kitchen team. The vigil started that evening in the shadow of the shrine. Sr. M. Patrícia, the local director, prepared the programme in such a way that the participants would be able to overcome any tiredness they might feel throughout the night.
Volny Enrique Martoni, the Diocesan coordinator for the Mother and Queen Men’s Rosary in the Jacarezinho Diocese concluded the welcome by presenting the participating parishes: Jacarezinho, Londrina and Ourinhos.
“Great is the harvest but the labourers are few”
This was the theme presented on Saturday evening by Sr. Alcione Fernandes, who emphasized that each participant should give of himself to become an evangelical instrument and highlighted the importance of the Men’s Rosary in this mission.
Sr. M. Patrícia exposed the Blessed Sacrament so that Adoration could take place throughout the night, based on a previously determined roster.
There was also a meditation on the Joyful Mysteries, because this prayer could not be missing in the Men’s Rosary! It was led by representatives from Bandeirantes, who sang the litany and consecration to Our Lady.
The team responsible for the event helped everyone stay awake by serving coffee, which they called the “We Can Coffee.”
During the early hours of the morning, Fr. Ivan presented the topic: “Under the Protection of Mary we want to educate ourselves” in which he focused on self-discipline and the importance of Mary as a role model.
At the same time, other men prayed the Stations of the Cross prepared by the Men’s Rosary from Santa Cruz.
A second coffee, called “Take our Tiredness Coffee,” was served.
“With Mary in the Shrine Toward 2014”
This was the theme presented by Fr. Marcelo, also in the early hours of the morning. The talk focused on the preparation for the jubilee of the Covenant of Love and linked this to the Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI.
In order to help keep tiredness at bay, the Music Ministry livened everyone up and a physical education teacher led the men in revitalizing exercises.
Fr. Rodolfo later took over Adoration and Blessing of the Blessed Sacrament. This time allowed the men to experience the living presence of Christ. They were very powerful and emotional moments, a reward for all the men who stayed awake throughout the entire vigil. The participants held hands to form a human guard of honor to accompany the sacramental Jesus from the tent to the Shrine.
Concluding Holy Mass
Fr. Donizete celebrated Mass at 7am on Saturday morning. Of course, the traditional photo in front of the shrine was taken as everyone said their goodbyes.
A final coffee – the Goodbye Coffee – was served to ensure that everyone arrived home filled spiritually and physically. It was received with great joy by all the participants who committed themselves to participate in the “7th Oh Mary” which has already been scheduled for 30 November 2013.
