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Unas 500 personas están en Milwaukee, celebrando el jubilo de Oro del Santuario del Exilio Some 500 persons are gathered in Milwaukee to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Shrine Etwa 500 Personen sind zur Zeit in Milwaukee zur Feier des Goldenen Jubiläums des Exilheiligtums versammelt |
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8 de julio de 2004: Apertura con procesión July 8, 2004: Opening of the jubilee celebration 8. Juli 2004: Eröffnung der Feiern |
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Procesión de entrada Entrance procession Einzug zur Messe |
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Prédica: P. Gerold Langsch Sermon: Fr. Gerold Langsch Predigt: P. Gerold Langsch |
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Misa Mass Messe |
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Carpa Tent Festzelt Fotos: Fenelon © 2004 |
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USA, Margaret Steinhage Fenelon. The Exile Shrine in Milwaukee is celebrating ist 50th birthday this year; the Schoenstatt Family of the United States invited all to join in and share the celebrations of this Shrine, the long-time residence of Father Kentenich, a place of grace of high significance far beyond the North American Schoenstatt Family. The Jubilee Celebrations will climax come Sunday, July 9, with the Jubilee Mass celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Dolan by the Exile Shrine in Milwaukee.
The International Schoenstatt Center in Waukesha was a beehive of activity as coordinators tended to last minute details and pilgrims – nearly 500 – from throughout the world arrived to participate in "Schoenstatt Family-Milwaukee’04", the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Exile Shrine. Both old and new friends shared warm greetings, getting acquainted with each other and the International Center. And of course, the most important detail of all was to visit the Blessed Mother in her International Shrine of the Father Kingdom.
Schoenstatt groups and individuals from 16 countries present
The day passed quickly and soon it was time to get in line for a picnic-style dinner eaten amid joyful laughter on the grounds.
In keeping with the flurry of excitement, the international pilgrims were escorted to a large white tent at the top of the hill near the Shrine. To the delight of all, Holy Mass started with a colorful procession of altar servers, a cross bearer, flags from many of the 16 countries present at the encounter, and a stream of 16 Schoenstatt Fathers and priests from Europe, South America, North America, and India. Father Gerold Langsch, Provincial Superior of the United States Delegation of the Schoenstatt Fathers was the main celebrant; Father Ivan Zimicic, Schoenstatt Father and Movement Director of Chile and Father Rainer Birkenmaier, Schoenstatt Diocesan Priest from Germany concelebrated.
The place where Father Kentenich celebrated more than 3000 Masses
Father Langsch gave both the welcome address and homily during which he drew the pilgrims into the time of Father Kentenich’s exile and its importance for the Schoenstatt Family, the Church, and the world.
"It was here in Milwaukee," he said, "that Father’s dilexit eccleasium became concrete, tangible, and fruitful. It was here, in the shadow of the Exile Shrine, that all were able to experience our founder as father through the homeshrine, heartshrine, and the image of the new child and father. Here Father Kentenich was a father, a priest, a shepherd, and a friend."
Regarding the Exile Shrine itself, Father Langsch said, "It is the only shrine bearing the myriads of sacrifices our founder bore for his family and the place where he celebrated more than 3000 Masses."
Love for the Church
In conclusion, Father Langsch encouraged the international Schoenstatt to take up Father’s challenge. "Our heritage," he said, "obliges us to love the Church as our father and founder did."
After Holy Mass, delegates from each of the countries present – Chile, Ecuador, Germany, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Canada, Columbia, Mexico, Philippines, El Salvador, Peru, India, Cuba, and Nicaragua – were asked to stand as the other delegates cheered. Once the crowd was settled down, Emcee Carlos Cantu from Texas (USA) treated them to words of welcome from a special guest – an audio recording of Father Kentenich! Songs and an inspiring Power Point outlining the fruits of the Exile followed. The evening ended with Evening Praise led by the Ecuadorian delegation.