An invitation to a Joyful Event

Blessing of the Schoenstatt Shrine in the Philippines on July 20

PHILIPPINES, Sr. Mary Agnes/mkf. The pamphlet distributed to invite all to join in the blessing of the first Schoenstatt Shrine in the Philippines reads, "An invitation to a joyful event". This joyful event will take place on Monday, July 20, 2003. Cardinal Ricardo Vidal will bless the Shrine. Auxiliary Bishop Julio Cortes will lead Eucharistic Benediction in the afternoon.

The Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, together with the Schoenstatt Movement, invite all to (at least spiritually) join in the festivities of the Blessing of the Schoenstatt Shrine. The celebration starts at 10:00 A.M., preceded by a motorcade with the picture of the Blessed Mother from the Sisters' residence at Guadalupe. 

Message from the Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu for the blessing of the Schoenstatt Shrine on July 20.

On June 29, Auxiliary Bishop Julito B. Cortes of Cebu sent the following note to the Schoenstatt Sisters and the entire Schoenstatt family: 

May I extend to each one of you my sincerest congratulations as you joyfully celebrate the Blessing of the Schoenstatt Shrine in Lawaan III, Talisay City,  Cebu. It was just barely seven months ago that we were together for the blessing of the ground upon which the Schoenstatt Shrine here in Cebu was to stand.  Now we will be gathered again to celebrate the blessing of the much awaited Shrine itself, a sacred monument under the patronage of our Blessed Mother  Mary, Thrice Admirable. With humility we acknowledge once again God's providential design for His people in Cebu through the apostaolate of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary and the realization of the Schoenstatt Shrine. With these gifts, may we move on to cooperate with this movement of spiritual renewal and education into Christ through Mary, thrice admirable. By so doing we hope to share in fulfillment of the dream of Fr. Joseph Kentenich for "the Schoenstatt family to become the heart of the Church", that is "a central force of love through the power of the covenant of love" under the maternal influence of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  

Warmest fraternal wishes to all of you, members of the Schoenstatt Family. God bless you all

Sincerely Yours in the Lord,

Signed

+MOST REV. JULITO B. CORTES, D.D.

Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu

Schoenstatt in the Philippines at a glance

Really and truly the history of Schoenstatt in the Philippines started in the United States, way back during the  early 1960s. Fr Kentenich at that time was residing in Milwaukee, where he got to know and appreciate some of the Filipino Sisters. He gave them the task to take Schoenstatt to the Philippines, for he knew well that Schoenstatt had a mission for this country and he knew well that this country, being the only catholic one in Asia, would be an asset to Schoenstatt. Our Founder always thought in worldwide dimensions!

During the course of the following three decades members of the Schoenstatt Sisters and Fathers made many visits to look for a possible start of Schoenstatt in the Philippines. During that time too, some chapels were already built in Laoag, Cebu, and Butuan in honor of our dear Mother Thrice Admirable. The Pilgrim Mother Campaign started in 1985 and has been a very effective apostolate ever since. These chapels and the Pilgrim Mother helped prepare the way for the daughter Shrine.

Finally, the first Sisters' foundation was made in Cebu in 1987. From the start it was the Sisters' desire and intense striving to build the Shrine, an exact replica of the Original Shrine in Schoenstatt Germany.

On July 20^th 2003 the Schoenstatt family will be able to celebrate the joyful event of the opening and blessing of this Shrine at Lawaan III, City of Talisay. Now the Blessed Mother of Schoenstatt will be able to distribute graces from this Shrine. She will be active as the Educator of our People.

Congratualtions: shrine147@hotmail.com