Fr. Guillermo Carmona, Movement Leader, presenting the Dacalogue of Hope Pater Guillermo Carmona, Bewegungsleiter, stellte die "Zehn Gebote der Hoffnung" vor Foto: P. Pablo Pol, Buenos Aires © 2001

Discussion group during the Convention in the Center Confidentia, Buenos Aires Gesprächsrunde bei der Jahrestagung im Zentrum Confidentia, Stadt-Heiligtum Buenos Aires Foto: P. Pablo Pol, Buenos Aires © 2001

Preparing for the 50th anniversary of the National Shrine in Nuevo Schoenstatt, Florencio Varela Auf dem Weg zum Goldenen Jubiläum des Landesheiligtums in Nuevo Schoenstatt, Florencio Varela Foto: P. Pablo Pol, Buenos Aires © 2001

(P. Pablo Pol, Buenos Aires) On Saturday, March 24, the Schoenstatt family of the Diocese of Buenos Aires had their convention at the beginning of the Schoenstatt year. Approximately 60 persons and the Schoenstatt Fathers and Sisters assisting in the diocese got together to work on the year's motto: "Father, from the Shrine, Hope for the Church and the World." The purpose of the day was to begin preparing for the 50^th anniversary of the dedication of the National Shrine in Nuevo Schoenstatt, Florencio Varela, on January 20, 2002.

Sister María Pilar gave an introduction to the subject, presenting a meditation about the imprint of Father Kentenich's presence in Argentina during his stays. During his last visit to Argentina, he dedicated the Shrine in Florencio Varela, on January 20, 1952. Father Pablo then gave a talk on the dimensions of hope, "In a time when we seem to have lost the reasons for our hope, we reaffirm our hope in Christ Jesus who tells us that he is close to all that happens, who is close to our boat, and that we do not need to be afraid."

"Share the positive signs of hope!"

Father Guillermo Carmona, Movement Director of Argentina, at the end presented the "decalogue of hope":

• Respond with optimism: "I'm fine!"
• Smile always.
• Keep calm.
• Value what is positive: "Nice wave!"
• Assume the daily challenges; get up with high spirits!
• Always trust your Father: "It's all in his plans."
• Say a prayer for your nation!
• Bring your friends to the Shrine - be an apostle for Mary.
• Make your life a feast - enjoy your family.
• Share with others the positive signs of hope!

Towards the 50th anniversary of the Shrine in Nuevo Schoenstatt

At the end of the convention, Holy Mass was celebrated; Father Cruz Viale gave an inspiring meditation on the Prodigal Son. The son's richness is knowing and experiencing the mercy of his Father. All who were present on this day clearly realized God's invitation to each one to walk towards the 50th anniversary of the Shrine in covenant love and hope so that the Shrines more and more become centers of the radiation of God's presence.

English edition: Joan Biemert, New Franken, Wisconsin, USA