ARGENTINA, Roberto Liñares •
On the afternoon of 16 November, Fr. Joseph Kentenich’s birthday, at the door of “Mary’s Tabor, heart of the city” Shrine, in Buenos Aires’ Belgrano neighborhood, there was a blessing for children, expectant mothers, and for those wanting to have a child.
Upon hearing the children’s voices, the mothers’ emotions, pilgrims’ coming and going, and everyone’s longing, it was obvious this was no simple convocation. Instead, there was a need for an encounter, prayers, petitions, hope and joy.
I just found out I am going to be a mother
The faces and gazes reflected different life stories. From Mothers with wombs brimming with life that they caress while adjusting their dress, and those who already cradle and nurse their child, to the one whose body still has not sweetly been transformed but who, in front of the priest, raises her hands and whispers: “Today I found out that I am going to be a mother.”
Children of different ages, alone or accompanied, also sought God’s blessings, some of them held their parents’ hands, staying close to their soon to be born sibling, and others, almost teens, wore a smile filled with the future.
Blessing and the strength to wait
The presence of women seeking the road to maternity was also touching; they asked for a blessing for strength for the time of waiting, giving themselves to and trusting in God’s providence.
Husbands, grandparents and the siblings accompanied them. The fathers were busy with the important task of taking care of the little ones who ran around and invented games in the midst of the blessing. Once again, the children without a care went to Him and the Blessed Mother gave them the grace of sheltering.
Mary becomes an Advent for every baby in its mother’s womb
A pilgrim people’s need to place the life of their children in God’s hands was energetically felt. Mary’s attentive gaze in the Shrine became Jesus’ Advent and that of every baby in their mother’s womb. When they left, the light on the faces of those blessed radiated God the Father’s presence.
On this day, there was also time for apostolic fruitfulness. All the children were invited to prepare as “Little Missionaries” for the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign, and to participate on 16 December in La Posada, the search for shelter and the living manger, sensing the birth of the Child Jesus on Christmas Eve.
Original: Spanish. Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA. Edited: Melissa Peña-Janknegt, Elgin, TX USA
