A feast day for all of us

First Anniversary of the MATRI ECCLESIAE SHRINE

Aniversario del Santuario en Belmonte, Roma

Anniversary of the Shrine in Belmonte, Rome

Jahrestag der Einweihung des Heiligtums in Belmonte, Rom

Coro de la parroquia Parish choir Jugendchor der Pfarrei
Celebrantes Celebrants Zelebranten
El Santuario de todos nosotros The Shrine of all of us Unser aller Heiligtum
Interior, 8 de septiembre Interior, September 8 So sah es aus am 8. September
Peregrinación de Santeramo en Colle Pilgrimage from Santeramo en Colle Wallfahrt aus Santerazo en Colle Fotos: Abram © 2005

ROME, Nivaldo y Teresinha Abram. On the feast day of the birth of the Blessed Mother the Matri Ecclesiae Shrine of the International Center in Rome celebrated its first anniversary: It was a day of continuous rain. Humanly speaking we had to think about celebrating it in the parish because of the rain. But in the meanwhile, once more, the Blessed Mother worked a miracle as in the Wedding of Cana. The rain stopped the sky opened up, and the children began arriving and an atmosphere of enormous gratitude and joy reigned.

The celebration was presided by the Rector of the Shrine, Monsignor Ignacio Sanna and it was concelebrated by another ten priests of five nationalities. The Parish Santa Rufina and Second transferred their 6:30 p.m. Holy Mass, in this integration that the pastor, Father Federico always promotes.

Monsignor Sanna welcomed everyone and he expressed his gratitude for their presence, mentioning the mutual cooperation between the parish and the shrine and the great benefit that is attachment signifies for the community. He stressed the value of the Shrine as a place of grace, of prayer and of retreat. He showed the statistics of 6,511 pilgrims, 80 Holy Masses, and the daily Rosaries that have taken place throughout the year. He also mentioned the events that have been celebrated by the parish in the Shrine and the 25 Pilgrim MTA Shrines that are traveling within the families.

The Shrine’s contribution to parochial life and to the Church

During the vibrant homily that came from the heart, Monsignor Sanna stressed Mary’s work in this place of her grace and the fact that many find peace in the Blessed Mother’s heart, a peace that they take to the heart of their families.

The celebration was very beautiful amid a festive atmosphere and deep gratitude.

The youth choir of the parish delighted everyone with their magnificent songs accompanied by several instruments. About 180 persons of the parish and of the Schoenstatt Family of Rome participated, in which five secular Institutes founded by Father Kentenich were represented.

Father Federico expressed gratitude for the contribution that the Shrine makes to parochial life and the unity that exists between the parish and the Shrine. He also stressed that the pastoral visit of the Diocesan Bishop, Monsignor Gino Reali, will begin in the Matri Ecclesiae Shrine next October 17^th, on the eve of the great anniversary of the Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement. During his visit, the Bishop will celebrate Holy Mass preceded by the recitation of a meditated Rosary.

Before concluding the Eucharistic celebration, the consecration prayer was recited asking the Blessed Mother to shed abundant graces from her Shrine for the new year that is beginning in Belmonte.

Cake and soft drinks were served to all the participants who shared a pleasant and relaxed time in a festive and familial atmosphere, they sang the traditional Happy Birthday and blew out the candles.

Looking toward Pentecost 2006

On September 11th, within the framework of the anniversary, the Shrine received the visit of a pilgrimage from Bari and Santeramo in Colle. There were 100 persons, accompanied by Sisters Margarete, Ivone, Julia and Anadir from the province of Brazil, who work in Italy. Father Ludovico Tedeschi, who is responsible for the Movement of Italy that is just beginning, celebrated the Holy Mass. After lunch, in the shadow of the Shrine, they returned to their cities of origin.

In a few days the next group of pilgrims will arrive – a group of couples from Argentine will depart from Schoenstatt to Rome on the 19^th of September.

And sights are already set on Pentecost 2006. Several places in Germany are preparing to respond to the Pope’s call and for an encounter with him in Rome, along with the other Movements, and with the Shrine that belongs to all of us. There are countries outside of Europe who wish to go on pilgrimage to Rome to be present for the Pentecost of Movements!

Translation: Celina M Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA