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Pira de José Engling en Cambrai, Francia Joseph Engling Fire Bowl in Cambrai, France Engling-Feuerbecken in Cambria, Frankreich |
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Santuario de la Unidad, en Cambrai Shrine of Unity in Cambrai Heiligtum der Einheit in Cambrai |
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José Engling (1898 – 1918) Joseph Engling (1898 – 1918) Josef Engling (1898 – 1918) Fotos: Archiv © 2005 |
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SCHÖNSTATT, mkf. On September 18, 1918, Joseph Engling wrote to Franz Hosenberg, his group representative in Schoenstatt: "I don’t know whether the group members are writing very little, or if the letters are being lost in the post. I know that this should not annoy me as this could change. Do not forget us in the lovely shrine of our Dear Mother Thrice Admirable. Our group will not be deserted because of our heavenly Mother’s blessings, if only two or three strive fervently. I want to count you among the dedicated ones. Our dear Mother, the Queen of Apostles, will graciously look upon the entire group because of the few ardent ones." Forty years ago the Shrine of Unity was dedicated in Cambrai on September 12. A shrine that was given by the entire Schoenstatt family, although at the time it was not possible to create such a strong and united atmosphere, with such intensive support and participation as with "the Shrine in Belmonte, which belongs to us all". The Shrine at Cambrai was dedicated 39 years after this, as the next "common" shrine of the Schoenstatt family. However, people still visit the shrine in Cambrai, to be united with the Blessed Mother, Joseph Engling and the Schoenstatt family. They are all invited to bring their history with Joseph Engling in the celebration of the fortieth jubilee.
"Some older Schoenstat members have remembered, the installation of the cross at the memorial site of Joseph Engling in Cambrai in 1958, in connection with the visit of the world youth day-cross in Schoenstatt," writes father Dr. Joachim Schmiedl, who is the Postulator in the beatification process for Joseph Engling. "At that time the installation of the cross became life-changing for many. The Schoenstatt-women's Federation has been involved for decades in arranging the memorials at the cemetery in Eswars. For the family movement the grave has become an important place to visit in Lys. Schoenstatt people can receive many graces from these special places of Joseph Engling in Northern France. "The fire bowl in Ciudad del Este is a replica of the fire bowl in Cambrai. This unites the boys’ youth in Londrina, Brazil and Ciudad del Este, Paraguay with the Blessed Mother through the Joseph Engling fire bowl in Cambrai.
To staff and local connections
"It was especially through the purchase and rebuilding of Saint Hubert’s and their removal to the famous "fourteen stars hotel" which served to bring the youth into the movement. However, it is not only the youth but many others who have a high esteem for Joseph Engling," Father Schmiedl indicates. "It is not only the local people, but primarily those who have a personal connection. People such as Paul M. Hannappel are important, and very essential for these life processes. Cambrai, Engling and Hannappel simply belong together! A great thank you to Paul Hannappel for his unselfish service and his inspiration! These thanks also go to the Schoenstatt Sisters who have provided for four decades the winter service of the shrine.
On September 12, 1965, the Joseph Engling’s "Shrine of Unity" was dedicated at the place of his death. This was a present from the international Schoenstatt family on the 50th anniversary of the movement. The day after the dedication had taken place, a telegram was received by Fr. Kentenich which called him to Rome. This is of additional importance because of the return of the founder from his exile in Milwaukee.
"Since then many people have visited Cambrai and have encountered Joseph Engling, his life and his message, his Marian striving and his important ideals," states Father Schmiedl. "Many testify that "Cambrai" has been a central stage of religious and human development. These reports are a matter of recognition and we should be thankful for it. Even if recently the numbers of pilgrims visiting Cambrai have decreased, at least 220 people have traced Joseph Engling in 2004. Schoenstatt families come from neighbouring Belgium who have discovered Cambrai as their next centre and hold meetings there."
An invitation
Two arrangements concerning Joseph Engling should mark 2005: the first of course is the celebration of the 40th jubilee of the dedication of the Shrine in Cambrai. In addition the French Schoenstatt movement plans the first national meeting at different places between Cambrai and Brittany and between Paris and Lyons. They have chosen the week-end of September17-18, 2005. Everyone is invited to attend.
In the preparation for it, Father Schmiedl invites everyone to Cambrai Day on April 30, 2005 (priest's house Berg Moriah).
Everyone is invited to tell their personal experience of the secret of Cambrai, and how Joseph Engling’s life as a model, has changed their lives. Everyone is invited to speak about this in their own language, of how Joseph Engling and Cambrai has moved and changed them and how it still inspires them today.
Keep score: P. Joachim Schmiedl jschmiedl@schoenstatt.net
Translation: Beth Rockers, USA/ Pat McEvoy, Liverpool, England