Unos 130 personas celebraron el 40° aniversario de la ermita en La Feria Some 130 persons celebrated the 40th anniversary of the wayside shrine in La Feria Gut 130 Personen kamen zur Feier des 40. Jahrestag des Bildstocks in La Feria
La ermita en La Feria, "corazón" de la familia de Schoenstatt de la diocesis The wayside Shrine in La Feria, heart of the Schoenstatt family of the diocese Der Bildstock in la Feria, Herz der Schönstattfamilie in der Diözese
La Auxiliar no puede faltar The Auxiliary maynot miss Die Auxiliar darf bei einer solchen Feier nicht fehlen
Predica Sermon Ansprache Fotos: Cantú © 2004

USA, Carlos Cantú. The 90^th birthday of Schoenstatt is indeed a memorable occasion. Many are able to look back in awe at all that has taken place not only in Schoenstatt itself, but throughout the world. Schoenstatt's Father and Founder walked in Texas land in 1948. The first Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary arrived in Texas in a miraculous way in 1949. Ten years later, in 1959, the Schoenstatt Shrine, the Confidentia Shrine, was dedicated. It was offered, giving thanks in advance, for the release of the Father and Founder from his exile. In that same year, 1959, two Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary came to work in the parish of St. Francis Xavier in La Feria, Texas. Slowly and after fulfilling their obligations to the parish, they began to promote their favorite task, Schoenstatt. Before too long, they had several groups of girls’ youth and mothers. Some couples slowly made their way. And so it was that on October 18, 1964 (Schoenstatt’s 50^th birthday) a Wayside Shrine to the MTA was dedicated. Here was the birth of the Schoenstatt Movement in the Diocese of Brownsville (Corpus Christi Diocese at that time). Some 130 persons now celebrated the 40^th anniversary of this little wayside shrine.

Many prayers, sacrifices, and petitions are buried in the foundation of this blessed place. In the early years there would be trials and tribulations which would endanger the presence of the little Wayside Shrine.

Misunderstandings and suffering would be part of our lot, but many graces and blessings would ensue. Three vocations to the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary and a vocation to the diocesan priesthood from one of our families would be part of the fruitfulness from our Mother and Queen.

The Wayside Shrine of Loyalty

On October 18, 1989, the 25^th anniversary of our little Wayside Shrine, the Schoenstatt family of the region announced to all that they were naming their little Wayside Shrine, The Wayside Shrine of Loyalty. Our Mother and Queen had been loyal to us. She never left them and over and over again. The Schoenstatt family experienced that she proved her loyalty to them. Now they had to show their loyalty to Her by crowning Her as Queen of Loyalty.

Looking back in gratitude, looking forward with commitment

Forty years later, they gathered at Our Wayside Shrine of Loyalty with the Queen of Loyalty. Over 130 persons gathered and among them were some who had been present at the dedication 40 years before and who continue to belong to Schoenstatt. Presiding at the celebration was Fr. Héctor Vega of the Schoenstatt Fathers in Texas/USA and CICM Father André Kazadi, their Parochial Vicar.

Following is the prayer they used in thanksgiving and for coronation of the Queen of Loyalty:

"Dear Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt, today we gather around your Wayside Shrine of Loyalty to thank you for 40 years of blessings; 40 years of your Motherly intercession and education. The little seed planted 40 years ago has grown, blossomed and produced much fruit. All our efforts, our work, and the little we have given has become a great blessing for the Rio Grande Valley and the Diocese of Brownsville. This is all due to your loyalty and generosity toward us. Today is your day, Dear Mother. We wish to ask that you continue to remain on your throne here at your Wayside Shrine of Loyalty; that you continue to dispense God’s graces in abundance for our priests, sisters, families and all those who come to you here with open hearts. Accept this crown from your Schoenstatt children. We offer it through the hands of our Father and Founder, Father Joseph Kentenich, and pray that you will ask God to crown him soon with the honors of the altar. For 40 years you have beenb our Loyal Queen. Continue to bless us with your loyalty. Amen."