Vero Heredia. “Allow me to be a living Shrine of the MTA for the glory of the Father!” I chose this phrase of the Father as the title of this testimony because for some time I have been thinking about this idea in my head and heart that the Shrine not only showers its graces when we enter it; but also, through the life of each one of us. And this how the founder wanted it for his life and he desired it for each one of us. The graces of the Shrine should “go beyond” its walls!
This is the reason that I want to share a summary of a gift that the Blessed Mother has given me and what it has been and meant to me, after desiring it for such a long time: the opportunity of knowing the Original Shrine, precisely during this year, when the current of life within the Movement is giving it all its attention. When I found out that both things coincided, I had to confirm that everything comes at the right time, everything thing has its time and its maturity. And in my case, I can feel it very clearly: the fulfillment of this great dream arrived precisely when I was prepared to enjoy and to receive each gift that God has given me during these days; that is something I do not tire of saying. It was the ideal time to make this trip, which not only implied making the material preparations, but also preparing my soul and my heart.
Placing the trip in the Blessed Mother’s hands
One of the things that I resolved to do was to set aside my expectations and allow the Blessed Mother “to take care” of being the great guide through this place. I wanted to be surprised by Her, since I was very sure that She would be so generous and such a Mother that I have always experienced. And I was not mistaken, because She not only guided my steps through Schoenstatt, but before the trip, I met people, who would welcome me during these days.
My hosts are one example: Lito and Rosita Musolina, of the Institute of Family, guardians of the Family Shrine and of Covenant house and untiring travelers at the service of the Blessed Mother. They deserve a chapter for themselves because there is so much to say about each one that I do not have time. What I can say is that they made sure that I truly felt at home; they were my parents during this time and “Haus Nazareth” became that, a beautiful Nazareth that welcomed me with an immense love from the first moment that I set foot in Schoenstatt. And if I go more into depth, I can say that the “grace of sheltering” became alive in them. Moreover, all this came with an “incredible plus”; since they have been Guardians of the Shrine in Belmonte, Rome, they know many people who are an important part of the history of our Movement, and with whom I had the opportunity to share unforgettable encounters. That is the case of Adolf and Marianne Defranceso, a German couple, who knew Father. I had the joy of talking with them and sharing very enriching and entertaining anecdotes about him. Since Rosita and Lito are very hospitable, they also organized dinners with Sister María Julia, from the Pilgrims’ Center and Father Ángel Strada, who were the outstanding guests, along with some Argentineans, who here for some time for the Tertiary of the Schoenstatt Fathers or for the “Time at Schoenstatt”, a vocation program of the Sisters of Mary for the Girls’ Youth.
There is so much I could say about what we shared, but I cannot! I would never finish! I can only tell you that during those ten days that I spent in this homeland, Mary’s Maternal presence was felt every day, at every moment.
The living presence of the Blessed Mother in every Shrine
In this land, I felt like the Heavenly Father’s “favorite daughter” and also of our Founder and Father. In this land, I strongly perceived God’s steps and blessing on the Schoenstatt Work. In this land, I connected at a depth that I never imagined with our history, with the presence of Father Joseph Kentenich at each place, in each Shrine, at his tomb, in the immense and beautiful Covenant House where he lived and labored intensely for his Work.
Here I found myself face to face with the living presence of the Blessed Mother in each Shrine, where many people visit every day to pray and to receive their graces. I was a witness to this during these days…
Living shrines
I have fulfilled a great dream of mine: to know the Original Shrine. My heart is filled with blessings and of an immense joy, but it is also filled me with great hope when I realized that our contributions to the capital of grace allow our Shrine to truly be a “Living Shrine, a home for our world.”
I heartily desire that we will always be loyal to our Covenant of Love, and that through our day to day life and witness, the Blessed Mother will radiate the graces of the Shrine to all the people who cross our path and in all the places we happen to be…ALWAYS UNITED in the heart of the MTA!
Vero Heredia, who reads schoenstatt.org faithfully, is from Córdoba, Argentina and she works at the school of the Schoenstatt Fathers in that city.
Celina M. Garza: Spanish/English translation – M. Peña-Janknegt: English edit
