The Night of the Shrine is an annual youth festival held at the Original Shrine in Schoenstatt. On the one hand, it is a continuation of the enthusiasm generated during World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, and on the other, it is an opportunity to experience the Original Shrine and the Covenant of Love as the living centre of the Schoenstatt Movement. The WYD feeling meets Schoenstatt’s spirituality.
During the International Youth Festival in 2005, held just prior to the WYD in Cologne, more than 3,000 youth made a Covenant of Love for the Youth of the World in the Original Shrine. This milestone in the history of the Schoenstatt Youth branches has radiated its effects within the youths, the International Schoenstatt Family and the whole world, overcoming the barriers of nationality. And it continues to be effective.
Several hundred youths annually renew the Covenant of Love for the Youths of the World in the Original Shrine, representing all those who, in various parts of the world, are united in the Covenant for the same reasons. The renewal of the Covenant – which is the highlight of a night of prayer which includes a pilgrimage to the Original Shrine, meditations and Eucharistic adoration – is part of a festival weekend that consist of numerous activities: conferences, round tables, debates, sport and games, workshops, Holy Masses, but also a “night life” with music, various activities and coffee shop – displaying the best of youth encounters – are interwoven in a colourful and refreshing display for all those who wish to obtain renewed strength for their daily life, but also those who simply come out of curiosity to see what a Schoenstatt celebration is like.
And finally, the Night of the Shrine is a celebration of the Covenant of Love. At the centre is the gratitude and enthusiasm of the gift of our MTA, and the conscious feeling that the Covenant of Love as a way that moves continually attracts new people. The Night of the Shrine is one of the most important dates in the annual calendar of the Schoenstatt Youth Branches, but is also a beacon of light showing faith of youths whose light should shine further than Schoenstatt and the Schoenstatt work.
The Night of the Shrine is held every year during a weekend in August. Schoenstatt Central, as a registered organization, is responsible for organizing this meeting. The preparation and organization is done by collaborators of the Boys’ and Girls’ Youth, headed by a central team made up of older youths. Youths aged 16-30 are invited to the Schoenstatt festival.
Johannes Reimann
Translation: Sarah-Leah Pimentel
Internet: (German) www.nachtdesheiligtums.de
kontakt@nachtdesheiligtums.de
