Just as the historic opening of the tunnel in Mount Lotsch.Open House at the Schoenstatt House in Valais |
SWITZERLAND, Xenia Schmidlin. "The house and the Shrine are mutually needed". The Schoenstatt Family of Valais took Father Kentenich's words very seriously. After a phase of remodeling during the winter months, on April 30th, on a brilliant, sunny day, the Schoenstatt House was re-opened in its new splendor. Previously, it was House Mariannhill. With profound gratitude for the place of grace which is now finished, the day began with a Holy Mass presided by the pastor of Brig, Eduard Imhof and was concelebrated by the Schoenstatt Fathers, Father Stadelmann, Fathr Horn, Father Schmid, and Father Fuchs. In relation to society today, Father Imhof spoke of the historic opening of the tunnel in Mount Lotsch, on the 31st of March 1911 -when thanks to a monumental feat of engineering crossing the mountains that separated two central regions of Switzerland was accomplished, opening the road between northern and southern Europe. He compared the opening of the tunnel with the bond of this place of grace with heaven. The difference is that "our" tunnel is so millimetrically exact (contrary to what happened in the tunnel of Lotsch) because the Holy Spirit did the calculations. The stupendous construction. The architects received much praiseHe especially thanked the Sisters of Mary for their joy, their amiability, and the spirituality which they irradiated. Then he blessed the house and the architects symbolically presented the keys to the Sisters of Mary. There are no inconveniences in the house for persons who use walkers or wheel chairs. The parlor is cozy, the kitchen and dining rooms can be adapted to the required needs. There is also a new elevator. The director of the house, Sister Rina Huber, seemed very content at all times and she praised the architects, Sister Renata Maria Becchio, the Provincial Superior, also praised them. What motivates the Movement?The day of the Open House not only consisted of visiting the remodeled house, but the Sisters of Mary took advantage of the occasion to extensively inform the numerous visitors about the Movement and their work for Schoenstatt. The participating communities placed themselves below the symbol of the tree, under the trees in the garden. In this way they informed the visitors of the many activities the 6 Sisters carry out in Brig, that they also do social work and work with ambulatory nursing homes. Adoration was held in the Shrine and in this way being very close to Jesus. In the cafeteria, close to the coffee and tarts, visitors could be heard chatting. While visiting the house, a short film about Father Kentenich's schoold of faith could be seen in one of the meeting rooms. Of course a program was offered for the children where the youngest of the family could freely play. Some 500 persons visited the house and participated in the different activities. Along with prominent personalities such as the mayor of the city, Mrs. Viola Amherd, members of the Schoenstatt Family and friends, and interested persons arrived from other parts of Switzerland, and the "usserschwiiz" as the inhabitants of Valais call them, also attended. The day ended with a ceremony for the Month of Mary: a short Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Eucharistic blessing in which the the mission of the Shrine was renewed: "Spring of Living Faith". The youth bid the day farewell by spontaneously singing. With contributions taken from "Walliser Bote", the Valais newspaper, of the 2nd of May. Address: Haus Schoenstat, Kettelerstrasse 27, 3900 Brig, Switzerland, Telephone: 0279211666, hausschoenstatt@schoenstatt.ch Schoenstatt in Valais
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13.05.2005
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