mev. The Hispanic community and the pilgrims who arrived in Schoenstatt on Sunday were happy to be able to participate at Sunday Holy Mass in Spanish in the Original Shrine. Many “virtual pilgrims” were also present by means of Schoenstatt-TV.
Mass in Spanish has been celebrated weekly in Schoenstatt since 1995. Throughout the years, different Fathers have had the responsibility for celebrating this Eucharist. One of them – the one who initiated it and has been there the longest – has been Fr. Angel Strada who on this occasion concelebrated with Fr. Ignacio Camacho.
For the faithfulness of many
“This Eucharist has also been celebrated in various places. It began at Father’s tomb. We have been moving slowly like the Israelites. We have been in various chapels, and through Divine Providence, today, we are able to celebrate the Eucharist here!” Fr. Ignacio related a bit of the history to those present. He also greeted joyfully those who followed the broadcast in their home countries. “Thanks to the Schoenstatt-TV team, we are able to broadcast this Mass to the entire world.”
The laity, members of Schoenstatt who live in the area, have also played an important part in the development of this Holy Mass. Father Ignacio also especially mentioned Pitty Reiche who has been the faithful sacristan for many years.
Several girls who spend time in Schoenstatt were in charge of the music for this Holy Mass along with Sr. María Carolina and Gonzalo – from Bolivia – who every Sunday accompanies the choir and guitars with his charango (a kind of five-stringed bandore or guitar used by the indigenous Peruvian people).
Thanks to Schoenstatt-TV
Many Spanish-speaking Schoenstatters were able to be present at the Holy Mass thanks to the broadcast by Schoenstatt-TV. Some of them sent their commentaries expressing their emotion at being able to participate in a Mass in the Original Shrine. Commentaries like: “Hello, how beautiful it us to gather from different places in the Shrine. Thank You!!!!! From Argentina” encouraging the repetition of these initiatives, which gather everyone around the source of graces.
“May God and the Blessed Mother bless you, let us make contributions to the Treasury of Grace for more Masses and broadcasts in Spanish” was another message that arrived from Mexico and reflects the joy of being able to virtually be at the Original Shrine.
Sharing
After Mass, all were invited into the foyer where they could share and have something to eat and drink. The gathering lasted for more than an hour and everyone was very happy for having had this experience.
Translation: Carlos Cantú, Schoenstatt Family Federation, La Feria, Texas USA 08202013
