María Elena Vilches. It has been one month since the administration of the Original Shrine passed into the hands of the Schoenstatt Family. On this occasion, it coincided with the beginning of the month of Mary.
Many gathered within and outside the Original Shrine to greet the Blessed Virgin at the beginning of her month and to give thanks for this first month in the new stage of the Original Shrine.
United “to all pilgrims who are there or who are following along via internet”
Fr. Michael Marmann presided at the evening benediction and was accompanied by Fr. Angel Strada. Some residents of the area gathered to form a choir which enlivened the celebration singing in German, English and Spanish. This gave the evening an international flavor. All present participated and the joy and family unity in the atmosphere was noticeable.
Fr. Marmann greeted those present and then passed the podium to Fr. Angel who addressed everyone in Spanish. Many throughout the world were able to unite with the Original Shrine, thanks to the broadcasting of SchoenstattTV. “We have gathered this evening with great joy and we want to give a special welcome to all pilgrims who are here or who are following along via internet,” Fr. Angel said in Spanish.
May the Covenant unite Heaven and earth
The celebration was a canticle of gratitude to Mary for the opportunity she gives her children to honor her and to meet her in this place of grace, “but we also do it to be joyful ourselves for the possibility we receive for being here.”
Outside the Shrine, one could still see the colorful streamers which were hung up the night before and which represent the lines traced in the sky…..the rainbow which unites Heaven and earth, the covenant which God sealed in the Old Testament and which is still sealed today and which He sealed with Father Kentenich and the first sodalists on October 18, 1914.
Blessing from the Shrine
The celebrants and the choir invited everyone present to join them in the Magnificat of the Blessed Virgin in gratitude for the many gifts received, in a special way for the Original Shrine and for the preparations for 2014…..and especially for this year of the Shrine current.
Upon concluding this great celebration, Fr. Marmann, rector of the Shrine, invited everyone to renew the Covenant of Love in their own language and gave the blessing as is done each evening…..for all those who were physically present, but also to all those who wish to be remembered in this place of grace and who unite spiritually each evening.
At the conclusion, many of those present took time to greet each other and to converse. A true atmosphere of family joy ruled in this celebration.
Translation from the Spanish: Carlos Cantú, Schoenstatt Family Federation, La Feria, Texas USA 05052012
