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Miembros de la Campaña de la Virgen Peregrina Members of the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign of the Pilgrim Mother Mitglieder der Kampagne der Pilgernden Gottesmutter |
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Alianza de Amor en el Santuario Covenant of Love in the Shrine Liebesbündnis im Heiligtum |
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Feliz con su remera y colgante Gald with her shirt and pendant Rundum glücklich mit Shirt und Anhänger |
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Procesión al Santuario Procession to the Shrine Prozession zum Heiligtum |
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Sitio de construcción de la nueva casa Construction site of the new house Der Bau des neuen Hauses geht voran |
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Hermanas de Maria de Burundi Schoenstatt Sisters in Burundi Marienschwestern in Burundi |
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Peregrinos en el Santuario Pilgrims in the Shrine Pilger im Heiligtum Fotos: Seitzer © 2005 |
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Mons. Peter Wolf con sacerdotes del Instituto Mons. Peter Wolf with priests from the Institute Mons. Dr. Peter Wolf mit Priestern des Instituts Foto: Wolf © 2005 |
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BURUNDI, mfk. After a decade of civil war that originated with tribal struggles that has caused more than three hundred thousand deaths, Burundi is beginning the difficult road towards reconciliation. The elections at the beginning of July transpired without major incidents. Observers consider that the international commitment to Africa, of even providing peace troops that are stationed on their territory, as well as the agreement for sharing power which was accomplished after long negotiations, are showing signs of stabilization. Other observers see another sign: The Covenant of Love that was sealed in June by 172 persons who participate in the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign.
The FDD agreement for sharing power was made two years ago and weapons have been dropped. In August the new parliament will elect a new president, according to the agreement, 60% of the representatives will Hutus and 40% will be Tutus. Mr. Domitien Ndayizeye, who has been the state leader until now, attended the Holy Mass for pilgrims in the Shrine of Mount Sio Gikungu with his spouse. His party, Frodebu, obtained second place in the elections between the Hutu parties. He will cede his position to the leader of FDD, Mr. Pierre Nkurunzira. For some time, a new Movement House is being built close to the Shrine and the pilgrim’s church in Bujumbura, it will be a Center of peace for Burundi. The project: "A seat for peace" is progressing very well.
The construction is progressing rapidly. "We hope that next year we will be able to have our journeys in the new house", says Sister Lisette. "The new Movement House is something that is very important for the Movement", says Monsignor Dr. Peter Wolf, Rector of the Institute of the Schoenstatt Diocesan Priests, who was in Burundi during the month of May. "I receive lots of news about the growth of the Movement, especially of the Shoenstatt Rosary Campaign, that with hundreds of Pilgrim MTA’s is conquering new areas, even in the jails of the country. The Sisters are grateful for the commitment of my co-brothers", he adds. In June, 172 persons who participate in the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign sealed their Covenant of Love. They received a small MTA pendant as a sign of this consecration, which they proudly wear along with the t-shirts and they carry the flags…
The Institute of Diocesan priests in Burundi
During his visit to Burundi, Monsignor Dr. Peter Wolf, has again experienced how the diocesan priests collaborate in propagating Schoenstatt in the parishes of their country, and how the seminarians have a great interest in the Schoenstatt communities for priests. In Gitega, where three priests from the Institute work, the pastor Father Jean-Marie Harushimana invited four who are interested in the Schoenstatt groups to an encounter. "It is a good group with great interest in our community", says Monsignor Wolf. "The four know about Schoenstatt since they belonged to the Boys’ Youth and they are willing to commitment themselves to the youth or to a work group of theology students. They are persons who work apostolically, just we desire". Monsignor Wolf said the visit to the Shrine of Confidence in Mutumba, was a very special experience. "We traveled together to visit the Sisters of Mary and the Shrine. They told us about the terrible time of war and the on-going attacks. They sheltered some ten thousand refugees on the grounds of the Shrine. The Sisters maintained their loyalty to the people and is this is highly valued by the people".
Schoenstatt is also growing in Kenya through the Pilgrim MTA
On his return flight, Monsignor Wolf made a short lay over in Nairobi, Kenya, where Father and Dr. Joseph Kariuki, professor of the University of Kenya and member of the Institute of Schoenstatt Diocesan Priests, told him about the growth of the Movement in his country. For many years a Schoenstatt Family has emerged in Kenya around Father Kariuki: "Joyfully, he told how the people always meet and how the Pilgrim MTA is constantly conquering new spheres".
Translation: Celina M Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA