31. Mai 1999 50. Jubiläum |
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30. Mai 1999: Teilnehmer aus mehr als 20 Ländern waren anwesend, als in Schönstatt ein internationaler Festgottesdienst
zum 50. Jubiläum des 3. Meilensteines der Schönstattgeschichte gefeiert wurde. Die Fahnen der
vertretenen Nationen schmückten die Anbetungskirche auf Berg Schönstatt, deren Patrozinium
heute gefeiert wurde.
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May 30, 1999
International Holy Mass
in the Adoration Church, Schoenstatt
The weather reminded us of Chile in their high summer - it is warm and sunny!!! Over 700 people gathered in the Adoration Church. During the opening song: O Triune God (in English, Spanish, and German) persons with their flags representing over 20 countries led the procession into the Adoration Church.
Fr. Penners was the main celebrant and emphasized our unity with the International Schoenstatt Family gathered in Chile. About 12 other priests also concelebrated. The first reading was done in English, the second reading in Spanish and the Gospel in German. The readings were from the feastday of Trinity Sunday- the feast of the Dedication of the Adoration Church! In his homily, Fr. Penners led us into the historical event of May 31st 1949 with a meditation on one of the verses from the Jubilee Song (written in Chile). The snow in the Andes brings refreshing waters to the sorrowing sands - a parrallel to what Fr. Kentenich wanted to offer to the Church and world through Schoenstatt. He also told how difficult it was to define what May 31st means for the Schoenstatt family. Some thought it was only for the Schoenstatt family, but in the end it became clear that this event is a challenge for us to share Schoenstatt with the whole Church and world.
The Petitions brought before the Triune God were the needs of the International Schoenstatt Family in the whole world. Each read the petition in their native language. An American girl from the youth prayed for the intentions of North America. A man from Mexico prayed in for the intentions of the people in Central America. A woman from Chile prayed for South America. One of the sisters based in Australia prayed for the Schoenstatt Family there. A Seminarian from the Schoenstatt Fathers from India prayed for Asia (in one of the languages from India). A Schoenstatt Sister from Burundi prayed for Africa (in Kirundi). A German woman prayed for Europe. And a young man from the Czech Republic prayed for Germany. The last two had mixed up places but Fr. Penners so nicely pointed out how organic we have become when Germany can be represented by a Czech!
The Holy Mass closed with a word of thanks for the all those who participated in and prepared for this day and for the Sisters Choir who had prepared the music and sang so joyfully. An invitation was given for all to join the celebration in the Adoration Church on May 31st at 6pm - at the same time that the crowning Mass in Chile takes place.
The Holy Mass ended with the closing song "Protect us With Your Mantle" sung in Spanish, German, and English.
Some of the echoes heard:
"What is going on here today? Why didn't you let me know there was going to be
an international Mass. Next time you have to let me know!" X.
"That is the first English reading at Holy Mass in the Adoration Church that I
have heard in three years." Y."I brought my own flag. Where is a pole? Of course
I would not miss this!" X.
"This Mass made me so proud to be a member of the International Schoenstatt
Family!" X.
