Jovenes de Brasil, camino a Colonia,  en el Santuario de Belmonte Youth from Brazil on their way to Cologne at the Shrine in Belmonte Jugendliche aus Brasilien auf dem Weg nach Köln im Heiligtum in Belmonte
ovenes de Chile y Brasil Youth from Chile and Brazil Jugendliche aus Chile und Brasilien
Noche de luz Night of light Nacht der Lichter
Misa de un grupo de Chile A group from Chile during Mass Messe einer Gruppe aus Chile
Tierra de Chile para el Santuario de Belmonte Soil from Chile for the Shrine in Belmonte Erde aus Chile für das Heiligtum in Belmonte
Chile lleva su bandera a Roma Chile brings the flag to Rome Chile bringt die Fahne nach Rom
Jovenes de Brasil en el Santuario Youth from Brazil in the Shrine Jugendliche aus Brasilien im Heiligtum Fotos: Abram © 2005
Juventud de Brasil: Todo para la iglesia Youth from Brazil: All for the church Jugend aus Brasilien; Alles für die Kirche Fotos: Abram © 2005

WYD –Rome, Nivaldo and Terzinha Abram. The eternal city experienced some very intense days with the pilgrimages of the youth on the way to Cologne for the Word Youth Day. The presence of the youth was strongly felt in Rome, especially in the audiences with the Holy Father. Several of the groups that belong to Schoenstatt came on pilgrimage to the Matri Ecclesiae Shrine, in Belmonte, close to 300 members of the Boys’ Youth and the Girls’ Youth came to seek the graces of this Shrine. They had some very profound experiences here, and at the same time, manifesting the strong attachment that unites them to the "Shrine of All of Us".

The carved wooden icon of the Holy Family of Nazareth, which is found in the interior of the Shrine awakened the curiosity of many of the youth, especially because the back part shows, Mary and Joseph holding hands. What a beautiful symbol.

Experiences and moments of encounter

A group of Girls’ Youth from Chile, approximately 140 girls, accompanied by their Assessors of the Institute of Our Lady of Schoenstatt, had an experience in the Shrine that night. that ended with the forming of a circle around the Shrine, carrying lighted candles and renewing their Covenant of Love. Father Federico who is always present, imparted the final blessing. Some parishioners were also present. The beauty of the Shrine, on a night that was illuminated by the lamps that are close to the steps and the reflections of the white rocks that surround it, created a very welcoming and joyful atmosphere.

There were also 17 young boys from Brazil, some seminarians were among them, accompanied by the Assesor, Mrs. Rosana, they experienced something very personal and as a group in the Shrine. After the traditional photo, they stayed for awhile, relaxed and enjoying the exterior atmosphere, taking pictures with the sunflowers, etc.

Young hearts beating for the Matri Ecclesiae Shrine

During these days, 9 youth from Chile stayed for the second time in the Santa Gemma Parish, they were able to pray in the Shrine several times. After bidding them farewell there was a dinner in the San Gabriele Oratory, offered by the parishioners who maintain a close attachment since the blessing of the Shrine in 2004.

Another group of youth from Brazil also came to Belmonte, on the way to Cologne, in search of the graces of the Matri Ecclesiae Shrine. There were approximately 80 persons, including the Assessors. Some expressed that they felt "at home" because this is also another "Tabor of The Glories of Mary". A festive atmosphere of the Feast of Tabor, the national mission of the Family from Brazil, could be perceived. The Boys’ as well as the Girls’ Youth began shouting MTA, MTA, MTA, SCHOENSTATT YOUTH, loudly. The strength that was vibrating in them could be felt, for the majority of them, it was the first time to visit the Shrine and the International Center in Belmonte, Rome.

Worldwide attachment to this place

The last group of 18 youth who came to Belmonte before the Schoenstatt Youth Festival, was from Chile. At the end of the Holy Mass celebrated by Father Jorge Laplagne, they deposited a handful of dirt they brought from their country in the shadow of the Shrine, as a sign of attachment and co-responsibility for this Shrine and the International Center. After lunch, they departed to airport on their way to Schoenstatt.

The worldwide attachment of Schoenstatt with the International Center is making our Founding Father’s project for Belmonte, Rome, a reality.