mkf. “Center of unity and missionary enlightenment for the Family…..source of graces along with the Original Shrine….place from where “at that time” Father Kentenich and his collaborators offered a decisive contribution to the Church and to society from the pedagogical, apostolic and spiritual point of view…..all of that was the ‘Bundesheim,’ the ‘House of the Covenant’ which celebrated its 80th anniversary on August 15, 2003.” We hope that it may be so anew very soon. At least that was the future challenge left lingering from the celebration of this anniversary which culminated on Sunday, August 17th, with a festive Mass which had a marked international character. This celebration took place in the House’s patio. There is no plan, no deadlines or future project for the use of the House, but this celebration was strongly directed toward a common, organic, and missionary perspective which leads from a common legacy to a common mission…..” This was the title of an article which appeared on this webpage seven years ago on that house which “is very important and loved by many and likewise those present were left with the question – unanswerable at the moment – about how and for what it could be utilized someday.” During a Mass celebrated in the House of the Covenant chapel on November 23rd, the transferring of the baton took place as it was described by Dr. Luis Jensen from Chile: Fernando Arrau, also Chilean, signed the transference of the House by means of a contract of loan and restitution to the new Society registered as “Schoenstatt International – House of the Covenant,” for its use and utilization.
Above the Original Shrine
The constituting session of the new Society “Schoenstatt International – House of the Covenant” (formed by Dr. Luis and Pilar Jensen from Chile, members of the Institute of Families; Fr. Egon Zillekens from Germany, a member of the Schoenstatt Federation of Diocesan Priests; Francisco Matte from Chile, member of the Schoenstatt Family Federation; José María Fuentes, from Chile, member of the Schoenstatt Men’s Federation; Dr. Peter Kleinitzer from Austria; Birgitt Winter from Germany, member of the Institute of Our Lady of Schoenstatt) and the signing of the final contract of loan and restitution marked a new beginning in the history of that House situated “above the Original Shrine.” Almost no other house in Schoenstatt is so intrinsically tied to the history of the Schoenstatt Movement as the “House of the Covenant,” the “Bundesheim.” The first plans for its construction emerged in 1924, ten years after the founding of Schoenstatt. It was blessed on August 15, 1928, hardly two years after the foundation of the Institute of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary. The brave priests and laity who supported the construction of the great See of the then small Schoenstatt Movement and its (future) apostolic activities were very young: Father Kentenich was only 42 years old, Sister Emilie was 35, and the others were in their 20’s. In the 1930’s, Father Kentenich’s retreats for priests and his Pedagogical Conferences attracted one third of the German clergy and a great number of laity who were especially connected to education. During many decades, this house was the See of a prolific and blessed apostolate. Father Kentenich lived there until 1951. After the separation imposed by the Church between the Schoenstatt Work and the Society of the Pallottine Fathers (1964), the House remained as property and for the use of the Society of the Pallottine Fathers until 1998. When they put it up for sale, it was purchased by Fernando Arrau with the foundation relevant to Schoenstatt “María, Reina del trabajo (Mary, Queen of Work).” The aim was to preserve it for Schoenstatt.
The transference during the Holy Mass
Within the simple celebration of a Holy Mass in the chapel situated in the area of the rooms where Father Kentenich lived and worked, the transferring of the baton took place. Fr. Heinrich Walter, president of the Schoenstatt General Presidium, concelebrated the Mass with Fr. Egon Zillekens, rector of House Marienau and one of the two presidents of the new society. At the start, Dr. Luis Jensen, as president of the Association, thanked Fernando Arrau for his commitment during the past twelve years and for the transferring of the baton to those presently responsible for the House and its restoration.
Homecoming current
Fr. Walter also expressed his gratitude to Fernando Arrau and also invited everyone to pray that this House may be a place for international and community encounters, especially in view of 2014. Keeping in mind the Saint who was commemorated this day – Saint Columban, Irish pilgrim monk who forged a great mission on the European continent in the 6th century – Fr. Walter said: we believe that the homecoming current which presently comes from Latin America to Germany and toward all of Europe is a blessing for the Original Shrine and for this place, Schoenstatt.
In the prayer of the faithful, prayers were said for the first ones who will live and work in this House and that they fill it with life. Birgitt Winter – who along with the Jensens had arrived that day from Chile – recalled Dr. Inge Birk who had died the previous day and for whom the House of the Covenant and its future destiny was her heart’s great desire.
And now, to work!
Before the offertory, Fernando Arrau, the members of the new Society “Schoenstatt International – House of the Covenant” and Fr. Heinrich Walter as witness, signed the loan and restitution contract which remained on the altar during Holy Mass. “And now, to work!” said Dr. Luis Jensen at the conclusion of the Eucharist. It was worthwhile to take advantage of the little time remaining for the Jensens – they were going to participate in a congress in Rome – so that the Society could gather and take its first steps to secure the quick restoration of the east room and the first “colonization” of the House.
Translation: Carlos Cantú, Schoenstatt Family Federation, La Feria, Texas USA 12172010
