Sr. M. Angela Macari. An historical moment occurred for the Schoenstatt Pilgrim Mother Campaign in the Philippines on September 20, 2009. Christina Klein from Brodenbach returned home to Germany after her 5-month participation in the Extended Stay Program in Brazil, bringing with her the Pilgrim Mother Auxiliary for the Philippines. She and her family generously became — as Deacon Pozzobon liked to say of himself — “a little donkey”, transporting the 24 lb. auxiliary from the Frankfurt Main airport to the Original Shrine. Sincere thanks were extended to her and her family by all.
An earlier attempt had been made this year to arrange the transport of the Pilgrim Mother Auxiliary from Brazil via Germany to the Philippines. However, the plan fell through. There is no doubt that the MTA wanted to wait until her beloved “Pinoy” children were here to welcome her. At present, there are four Filipina Sisters of Mary participating in a time of community education and three young Filipinas beginning their candidature for the community in the Original Schoenstatt. Invitations for the ceremony were also extended to Filipinos residing in the Vallendar and Coblence area. Shortly before 5:00 p.m., as the welcome was about to begin, Sr. Johanna-Maria, Director of the Pilgrim Mother Campaign in Germany, received a message that the plane had arrived an half hour late. The program was altered so that the approximately 30 Filipinos and numerous others gathered to offer our Mother and Queen a heartfelt welcome, prayed the joyful mysteries of the Rosary. Before each decade, a meditation was shared relating the specific mystery to the life of Servant of God John Pozzobon, originator of the Pilgrim Mother Campaign in Brazil.
She arrived at the Original Shrine exactly as the bell tolled for the Angelus
The rosary finished and still the Auxiliary had not yet arrived. As the reserved time from 5 – 6:00 p.m. was ticking away rapidly, the question was posed if the welcome prayer should none-the-less be prayed or if all would be willing to wait. Unanimously, the “welcomers” decided to wait patiently for the MTA’s arrival, praying in silent adoration. At 5:50 p.m., Sr. Johanna-Maria called from outside the Shrine, “She’s here!” On hand to help unload and unpack the Auxiliary were campaign coordinators from the diocese of Trier, Gerd and Doris Freisberg.
It was the great longing of many hearts to ring the bell of the Original Shrine in recognition of the Auxiliary’s arrival. Generally, this is not permissible but the MTA saw to it that her children would not be disappointed. She arrived at the Original Shrine exactly as the bell tolled for the Angelus. Jubilant voices rang out with the Schoenstatt Pilgrim Mother Song, as the Filipina candidates, Riza, Aysa and Mabel, proudly carried the Auxiliary MTA into the Original Shrine and placed her on the communion rail. T
he prayer of welcome was prayed. A very special atmosphere of tranquility enveloped the Shrine. Following the prayer, all present were invited to personally greet the Auxiliary MTA and in so doing received a prayer card picturing Deacon Pozzobon carrying the original MTA Auxiliary, as a remembrance.
The journey continues
A special mention is in order for some of those who joined in welcoming the Philippine Auxiliary. Schoenstatt Brother of Mary, Mr. Arendes – who, having worked in Brazil for many years, became a personal friend of John Pozzobon — participated as his “spiritual ambassador”. Also present were the Webb Family, coordinators for the Pilgrim Mother in their homeland of Australia. The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary in the Philippines belong to the Australian Province.
As soon as financial support is secured, the final phase of the Auxiliary’s journey can begin – bringing her home to the “Pearl of the Orient Seas”.
