Living the Covenant of Love with the MTA as John Pozzobon did

Annual National Convention of the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign in Lamar, Texas, USA

Conferencia nacional de la Campaña del Rosario en Lamar, Texas, USA National Convention of the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign, in Lamar, Texas, USA Jahrestagung der Kampagne in Lamar, Texas, USA
Alianza de Amor Covenant of Love Liebesbündnis
Baile de Eagle Pass Eagle Pass Dance Eagle Pass – Tanz
“Mariachi” “Mariachi” “Mariachi”
Peregrinas en el Santuario Pilgrim MTA’s in the Shrine Peregrinas im Heiligtum
Visita de lugares donde estuvo el Padre Kentenich Visit too places where Fr. Kentenich was Vaterspuren Fotos: Sr. M. Heidi © 2005

USA, Sr. M. Jessica Swedzinski. "I felt the new presence of Father Kentenich and was immersed in his endless confidence in the MTA!" - "I learned so much about Deacon John Pozzobon, especially his impressive spiritual daily order." - "Can we come back to Lamar next year?" These are conversations overheard on Sunday, June 26 as the 13^th Annual National Convention of the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign came to a close. It was the 1^st ever National Schoenstatt Convention held at the Schoenstatt Center in Lamar, Texas, at the Gulf of Mexico and they raised the bar.

The Schoenstatt Texan members saw to everything. An outstanding state team opened the door, true to Southern hospitality, but more so to a childlike, genuine road to living the Covenant of Love with the MTA, and the father and founder, as John Pozzobon did!

Over 115 registered delegates from 20 states, Ecuador and Mexico, gathered Thursday evening for Holy Mass followed by a candlelight rosary procession. Battery operated vigil lights were thought of in case of a mean-mosquito night, however the worse case scenario never transpired. The entire four days were far cooler, breezier, and bug free than average.

Mariachi band and adoration...

Friday brought excellent talks by the Schoenstatt Fathers on Mary’s role in the Eucharist and our SRC coordinators role in the heart shrine. Friday afternoon went quickly with a line up of reconciliation meditation, holy hour, and testimonials. These testimonials proclaimed the power of the Pilgrim MTA whether it began as a rosary makers group, a parish affiliation or established state leaders. At holy Mass six first timer delegates sealed their covenant of love, ending in the Confidentia Shrine. The evening program shown via a PowerPoint of the History of Schoenstatt in Texas. Then a San Antonio Mariachi bands (with a unique six cardboard instruments!), a song and dance selection by sister cities of Eagle Pass, Texas and Piedras Negras, Mexico, capped by a fantastic, still some more fireworks off the Schoenstatt Pier on the bay. The ahs and ohs were indicative of the joys and gratitude. Benediction was held followed by adoration in the Confidentia Shrine during the night until 8 am on Saturday. The delegates enjoyed the closeness and availability of the shrine to the training and retreat center buildings.

A pilgrimage to the sites that Father Kentenich visited in 1948

The State Team gave an insights into their development and formation on Saturday morning, followed by an afternoon coach ride into Corpus Christi. We visited four sites where Father Kentenich visited during his historic 1948 visit to the USA. The Schoenstatt Mothers League presented each site with beautiful meditations and prayers. Holy Mass followed at the local Schoenstatt center in Corpus Christi where Schoenstatt Fathers have been serving. Then a mighty delicious Texan barbecue was served before the buses arrived back at Lamar by 10:00 pm.

Sunday was a highlight Eucharistic procession, coronation of the Texan Auxiliary by Sister Corelia and Sister Daniela representing the entire State Team. Sister Jessica shared concerns and asked for input for future strategies of the SRC in the remaining minutes before all delegates were newly commissioned and sent out from the Confidentia Shrine.