Through our covenant we build islands of grace

October conference and Crowning mass in Campsie Glen, Scotland

Presentación de la Juventud Femenina Presentation of the Girls’ Youth Präsentation der Mädchenjugend
Recuerdos… JMJ That was … WYD Das war …  der WJT
Testimonio Testimony Zeugnis
Cardenal O’Brien Cardinal O'Brien Kardinal O’Brien
Hna Xavera con la corona Sister Xavera with the crown Schwester Xavera mit der Krone Fotos: Savage © 2005

SCOTLAND, Fr. Michael Savage. Within Schoenstatt the month of October has always a special significance being the annual memorial of the movements foundation in October 1914. While the October week lasts a full week in Schoenstatt Germany, Schoenstatt Scotland has a single day conference where the delegates come and present their reports from the past year. Of special significance were the girls who made the journey to Schoenstatt for the World Youth day in Cologne during August 2005 and the associated celebrations in Schoenstatt itself. The girls gave a lively report about their adventures and on the events and encounters that touched them most during that time.

One strong theme that repeatedly came through many of the talks was the difficulty in trying to arrange Schoenstatt meetings with a full quota of members. Equally strong was the resolve to go ahead and hold the monthly meetings regardless of the numbers, be it two, of twenty two! Fr Michael Savage gave a report on his work to make the Holy Spirit symbol for the Scottish shrine. He pointed out that along with the constraints of parish work, progress had been painfully slow due to fear. The thought of trying to represent something as significant and dynamic as the Holy Spirit is a frightening thought. At the end of all the presentations it was decided to hold to the motto of the last couple of years: Through our covenant we build islands of grace

Blessing of the new stations of the cross – crowning of the MTA

On Sunday 23rd October they welcomed Cardinal O'Brien back to the glen. On this occasion there was a two fold reason. The stations of the cross having being constructed behind the shrine were now complete. Before the crowning mass the Cardinal formally blessed the stations. The crowd at the ceremony was particularly large this year as many people had made special offerings and sacrifices towards the individual stations.

After service we all processed back to the house for the beginning of Mass. Fr Michael Savage preached the homily and after the mass the Cardinal O'Brien led the congregation to the shrine where the Mother Thrice Admirable picture was formally crowned.

Every year someone is chosen to carry the crown to the shrine after the mass. This year after much persuasion and arm twisting Sr Xavera the original and founding sister of Schoenstatt in Scotland did the honours.